Scratch that.

What's your name? Uh, Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Jr.

You only got two strings.

I've had a few setbacks. Me too.

Hi. This is Steve Lopez from the LA Times. I'm calling to see if a Nathaniel Ayers attended your school.

He was the most gifted kid I've ever met.

I'm going to write a column about Nathaniel.

When people heard that you were just playing with two strings,

some of them thought that you might want something better to work with.

I can't cover that. It's a gift.

What does he have? Schizophrenia? Are you flying that plane?

Nah, I'm right here.

I'm not always so sure what's going on.

He has no idea what he's saying.

What's with Neil Diamond? Uh, I thought that was you.

Your friend is downstairs.

I don't want to take full responsibility for...Oh, by all means, avoid full responsibility.

He's sick, and he needs a psychiatric hospital.

You gonna put me away.

Nathaniel has one thing going for him...a friend.

Come on. You can do it.

A year ago, I met a man who was down on his luck

and thought I might be able to help him.

Are you out of your mind?

Witnessing his courage, his humility...

Do you think I could be good again?

...and the power of his art. I've never loved anything the way he loves music.

Being his friend will carry you home.

I'm the closest thing to family he has.

We take care of each other.

And we look after each other.

I'm his friend.