A drama about a teenager caring for her father with multiple sclerosis as they attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy for social services.
Story Structure — 3 Plot Phases
The Weight of Responsibility
Introduction to Lucie's challenging life as a caregiver balancing school, work, and family care while her father copes with his illness through humor and isolation.
Key Events
Introduction to Normal Life — Lucie cares for her father William who has multiple sclerosis Characters: Lucie, WilliamLocation: Home
William's Coping Mechanisms — William devises pranks and jokes while hiding in his wardrobe Characters: WilliamLocation: Wardrobe
Lucie's Daily Struggles — Lucie balances school, work, and household responsibilities Characters: LucieLocation: School Sandwich Shop
Creative Escape — Lucie writes her novel as an imaginative escape Characters: LucieLocation: Bedroom
Social Worker Assigned — Dominique Toussaint is appointed as their social worker Characters: Dominique ToussaintLocation: Social Services
The Mask of Normality
Lucie and William devise an elaborate plan to present a facade of normalcy to social services, forcing them to maintain their carefully constructed deception.
Key Events
Social Worker Assigned — Dominique Toussaint is appointed as their social worker Characters: Dominique ToussaintLocation: Social Services
The Decision — Lucie and William decide to create a facade of normalcy Characters: Lucie, WilliamLocation: Home
Planning the Deception — The duo develops a complex plan to fool social services Characters: Lucie, WilliamLocation: Home
First Visit Preparation — Intense preparation for the social worker's first visit Characters: Lucie, WilliamLocation: Home
Social Worker Visit — The carefully constructed facade is put to the test Characters: Lucie, William, Dominique ToussaintLocation: Home
Close Call — A moment threatens to expose their deception Characters: Lucie, William, Dominique ToussaintLocation: Home
Truth and Consequences
The social worker's evaluation concludes, revealing the true nature of their family dynamic and the impact of their deception on their future.
Key Events
Close Call — A moment threatens to expose their deception Characters: Lucie, William, Dominique ToussaintLocation: Home
Evaluation Complete — The social worker completes their evaluation Characters: Lucie, William, Dominique ToussaintLocation: Home
New Reality — Lucie and William face the consequences of their actions Characters: Lucie, WilliamLocation: Home
Story Breakdown
Family Dynamics — The complex relationship between Lucie and William
Unspoken Bond — Their deep connection despite challenges
The Deception — The elaborate plan to appear normal
Planning Phase — Developing their strategy
Implementation — Carrying out their facade
Social Worker Visit — The critical evaluation
Personal Escapes — Ways characters cope with reality
Lucie's Novel — Her creative outlet
School and Work — Lucie's outside world
Friendships — Lucie's social connections
14-year-old Lucie is a resourceful teenager who takes care of her loving yet unreliable father, William, who has multiple sclerosis. Whilst William hangs out in his wardrobe and devises pranks and jokes to make his daughter smile, Lucie tries her best at school while juggling a job in a sandwich shop and all the chores at home. Her vividly imaginative mind and the novel she is writing are her only distractions. But when a social worker is appointed to visit them, Lucie and William elaborate a complex plan to make social services believe they live a perfectly normal life.
