Synopsis:

Ben opts out of education for a year to care for his mother who is terminally ill, and has to make a decision he hadn’t planned on. A realistic and sensitive docudrama tackling issues that frequently make newspaper headlines.

00.00-05.11
Ben’s mother diagnosed with Motor Neuron disease. Falls down stairs - alerts everyone to reality. Ben wants to be carer; parents want him to go to university. Ben wins.

05.12-08.53
Mother falls again strikes out at Ben. Hostile to wheelchair. Father away on business. Ben establishes routine. Father returns. Finds mother attempting stairs alone. Blames Ben, who argues parents not accepting reality. Reflects on role of carer.

08.54-15.09
Family’s aging dog has stroke. Ben and mother become closer. She asks him to promise he’ll make something of his life. Father appears as outsider. Dog put down - mother asks vet if there is any lethal injection for her?

15.10-21.31
Mother contemplates suicide. Husband horrified - legalities etc. Ben uncertain, confides in friend. Would be relief, but she’d need help. Friend shocked, warns of legalities.

21.32-24.10
Ben reflects on mother’s illness and right time to die. Before unable to, she attempts suicide. Ben finds her, hesitates, then calls ambulance.