Original subtitles

You were driving too fast!

I wasn't, officer. I was going really slow.

200 miles per hour is slow, now, is it?

This car must be taken off the road immediately

due to careless driving, while Dad has to go to work.

-Punishment... -Not tickles!

-Do I get a hug? -Yes.

Here.

-Dad? -What?

Are you going to be back before I wake up?

Yeah, I promise.

OK, the rules.

-No. Please, I know them by heart. -One more time.

Go on. If someone comes to the door?

-I won't move. -If you need to leave?

Make sure nobody's outside.

-And in the street? -Don't speak to anybody

and go to Valéerie. -Perfect, OK.

Hurry up.

Get a move on, guys.

We'll be here all night.

Get a move on.

Wake up, my little grandpa.

-You OK? -Yeah.

You're all warm. Did you sleep well?

Really well.

Get dressed.

Shake a leg a little, will you?

I'm waiting for an email from Judge Latouche.

-Sorry. -Try again, it's been a long time.

I've already tried twice.

Try a third time then. Be insistent.

Are we talking about little Léeon?

OK, Antoine.

-Can I say something? -Go ahead, Patricia, now you're here.

Well, it's about Léeon Marchal. It seems his grandmother...

is an alcoholic, just like the parents.

Was. She's been sober for 7 months. She's never missed an AA meeting.

Actually, she had a relapse in 2013.

Can't she make a mistake?

Isn't it our duty to place children elsewhere only as a last resort?

Wait, our duty is actually in the title of our profession.

Child Protection. We protect Léeon.

-Yes, we protect Léeon... -No. Patricia.

Nadia will look after this case.

Don't worry, I'll keep you busy.

Here, a new tip-off.

A father, Vincent Cassagne, and his son, Tom.

It was a cleaner who contacted us.

The father hasn't worked for a while and the kid's always at the cafée.

Can you look into it?

Rub harder.

Behind your ears, too.

Dry off, now.

Let's go.

The play's called My Friend Théeophile.

It's about a boy who is saying goodbye to his imaginary friend

because he's too old now. -I see.

-Here. -Say thanks to Valéerie.

-Thank you. -My pleasure.

Thanks. So which part will you play?

I don't know yet. It's up to our teacher.

Oh right.

-Would you prefer the croissant? -Yeah.

Of course you would.

Do you have an address for him?

An address? No.

A phone number, or...

I don't have that either.

-A lot of people come here. -I'm sure they do.

But is Mr. Cassagne a regular here?

Well, let's just say he likes...

coming here for breakfast with his kid...

from time to time.

Does he drink?

Valéerie, have you ever seen the little boy's father drink?

-No. -He's not the type.

I've been informed that the Cassagnes wash here.

-Here? -Yes, in the cafée restroom.

I'd like to see that for myself.

Given the space, I doubt that's even possible.

Right.

You can take a look for yourself.

No, thank you. I'll take your word for it, Mr. Danio.

I won't disturb you any further.

The characters are...

Théeophile...

-What? -I want the princess. What about you?

Paul...

Charlotte...

Then there's three animals. The mouse...

Next to the blond boy.

Everybody loves him. He's a carefree, happy kid.

When it comes to his grades and behavior...

everything's great.

It's a story of friendship...

love...

-And tenderness. -And tenderness, exactly.

Please, Dad.

We're the stars of the show!

Our teacher chose Tom to play Théeophile, and I'll be Paul.

Can I stay over at Mathis's house to practice?

Please say yes, Dad!

You could have given some notice.

You never let me go anywhere.

Sorry, but you don't even have your pajamas.

Come round for dinner, then you can bring his things.

No, not dinner...

-I can't. -Dad!

Please?

I don't know, just a drink then.

Happy? Shall we go?

-Yeah. -I'll send you my address.

-Do you know your dad's number? -Yeah.

See you later, Dad. -Bye!

-Thank you. -No problem.

I see.

OK, thank you.

Mr. Cassagne?

Mr. Cassagne.

Hello.

-Yes? -I'm Patricia Lefort

a Social Assistant at the Child Protective Services.

-I'd like to ask you a few questions. -About what?

About your son, Tom.

What's he done?

No. He hasn't done anything, don't worry.

Could we discuss this at your home, maybe?

At my home?

Yes. Do you still live at Alléee des Aubéepines?

I noticed the telephone was no longer connected...

-I canceled the contract. -OK.

Shall we say tomorrow at 9:30am at your place?

Do I have to?

Yes, you do.

Here you go.

See you tomorrow.

I'm just locking up, sir.

-Goodbye. -Bye.

You've reached the answerphone of Fred Gautier.

I can't get to the phone. Leave a message, I'll call you back.

Fred, hi. It's Vincent. Vincent Cassagne.

I need to talk to you. It's urgent.

Could you call me back?

Even if it's late.

Tom?

Tom, it's time to get out now.

I'm coming.

Théeophile! Théeophile?

I'm here.

I was scared. I...

I was scared. I...

I haven't seen you all day.

I'm...

I'm always here when you think of me.

Who was that redhead you were talking to earlier?

Charlotte, a new girl. She's nice.

You'd like her. I'll introduce you.

That won't be easy, considering...

you forget me the moment you see her.

That's all we've learned so far.

-Well, it's... -It's good.

Bravo. Brilliant.

I loved it. It was brilliant.

Careful, don't tread on it.

Stop eating peanuts, Mathis.

-Want to go and play in your room? -OK.

It needs some work, but...

Yeah.

This is the first time Mathis has had a real friend.

He may not seem like it, but he can be a bit wild.

Really?

That's funny, Tom's the same.

We should do this again.

At that age, they love staying at friends' houses.

Yes, that's true.

We could arrange something, all four of us.

A weekend by the sea if you're free?

-Free for the weekend, I mean. -Yes.

Why not?

Sorry, it's important.

Hi, Fred?

Thanks for calling back. No...

Can you wait two seconds?

I... I need to go.

-I'll tell Tom. -No, leave them.

They're having fun.

-I'll show you out. -Yeah.

Thanks for the drink.

And for Tom.

It's fine. My pleasure.

Good night, then. Good luck, even!

I'll be fine.

-Bye. -See you.

Hi, Fred?

Sorry about that.

How are you doing? It's been ages.

Come in, I'll get you a drink.

No, I'm fine, thanks. I have to go to work.

Where do you work?

Come on, sit down. Don't just stand in the hallway.

How's Tom?

He's grown, I bet.

Still a little joker?

Sure you don't want anything?

I need your help.

You need my help?

Yeah, I'm a bit...

let's say...

I'm going through a rough patch.

Don't worry, I'm not here to scrounge.

I've got Social Services on my back.

Child Protection.

What have you done?

Nothing at all.

They think I'm still living in the block.

-Why, where do you live? -It's fine, I'm sorting it.

It's fine. Everything is fine.

I just kept the same address for my papers.

Wait, I'm sorry. I don't get what you're saying.

I've got a meeting tomorrow morning with a lady from Child Protection.

-From what? -It will be half an hour. Maybe less.

You're kidding.

I'll show her around, say it's my place. That's it.

What do you mean that's it? I haven't seen you for months

and then you just turn up, for... -For Tom.

I can't show them where we're living. It's just not possible.

Listen.

There must be another solution.

Christ, we're not talking about the cops. I've done nothing wrong.

I'm broke, Fred.

Don't worry, it isn't contagious.

I won't let them take my son away.

Good evening.

-For you. -Thank you.

You.

Thank you.

-For you. -Thanks.

Don't bother turning up tomorrow.

-What? -The others will finish the job.

-Fuck. -That's how it is.

That's how it is!

That's not fair.

Put them in the mailbox afterwards.

Thank you, Fred. Really.

Good luck.

Hello.

So, you were last employed by Mr. Beaumont, a photographer?

That's right.

You were made redundant and spent years unemployed...

The bathroom is down there, if you'd like to see it.

Yes.

And the toilet is there. That door there.

OK.

I'd like to talk about when you lost your tax credits

because I read that you missed three meetings in a row

and then didn't respond to your summons.

Could you tell me why?

Well...

It was a difficult time.

I'm sure it was, but...

You'll have to tell me more, because...

It's important that I understand exactly what happened.

That's Tom's room. It's a bit of a mess.

Listen. I'm not here to judge you or tell you off.

I just need to get an idea of your son's home environment.

That's all I'm interested in.

When...

when his mother died...

Is that why...

you didn't respond to your summons?

Yes, I was with her right up until the end, and then...

As I was just pulling myself together I was struck off the list.

And since?

How long ago did you leave? I know you don't live here anymore.

In this job, I see people like you every day.

They want to work things out alone, they push everybody away...

but let me tell you, they end up losing everything.

I'm not an enemy, I want to help you.

I know it's hard, I understand. It's complicated asking for help.

But we can find a solution. Even with somewhere to live.

But that won't happen by hiding away on our own.

So you're going to have to trust me.

It's my job to help you. I'm paid to do it.

But I can't do it alone.

It's pretty.

Is that Tom's mom?

He looks like her.

I hear he likes school.

Yes.

He loves it.

He works hard. They're full of praise.

Does he have any friends outside school?

Yes. He's got some friends.

And family?

Well, he has me.

His mother was an orphan and I never knew my father.

And your mother?

My mother...

I've never met my mother.

She didn't really do maternal instinct.

I was an accident.

A sort of ball and chain to her.

She made a fresh start with a Canadian and lives there now.

She never replied to my letters, even when he was born.

You can't go on like this, Vincent.

Like this? We have everything we need.

That's not true. There's no water, no electricity. It's cold.

What will be next?

From an apartment to a box, to what?

This is only temporary. I'll sort myself out.

I'm sure you will. But we need to think about Tom.

I think we should both think about...

the possibility of a temporary placement...

-No. -Just temporary.

There are really good structures in place, Vincent.

I promised his mother.

Foster families, children's homes, she did it all.

I'd never leave Tom.

Right.

Right. Here you go.

My cell and my home address, just in case.

Let's strike a deal. I'll sit on the case for a while

but on the condition that together we find a solution

that will be best for Tom.

OK?

Yes, OK.

I said OK.

I swear, the most basic garage. You couldn't even fit a 4x4 inside.

Father and son live there together with all their things.

It's crazy. And the kid couldn't be happier!

Always smiling, great grades, lots of friends...

It's so impressive.

This kid alone proves what I've tried to convince people of for years!

He couldn't care less about living in a garage

so long as he has the love of his father.

It's crazy, I swear.

-Have a good evening. -Bye.

-Good evening. -Evening.

Tom.

I'm a bit late.

-You OK? -Yeah.

-All finished. -Very good. Come on, let's go.

Don't forget your jacket.

Thanks, Valéerie. Where would I be without you?

-It's fine, we get on well together. -Yeah.

By the way, a lady came in earlier from Child...

Yes, we've already spoken.

It's fine, thanks. How much do I owe you?

Nothing.

-Are you sure? -Yes.

-Thanks, then. -See you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

You spoke to Social Services, didn't you?

So what?

I think that's disgusting.

Do you want that boy hanging around, washing in the john?

He's happy with his dad.

Happy with his dad? You never think, do you?

If they need to wash here, what sort of place do they live in?

If a kid can't even wash at home

not saying anything about it goes against our duty to rescue.

She wants a medal, too.

A chocolate medal? Black like your heart?

Don't you talk to me like that!

-What's going on? -Did you hear her?

Yes, it's unacceptable.

I know you won't stand for it.

That works. Collect your pay and don't bother coming back tomorrow.

-Mr. Danio... -We no longer have the budget.

Mr. Danio, I thought I was doing the right thing.

That's...

Mr. Danio, listen. Wait!

-Mr. Danio. -Thanks, Antoine.

Nadia.

What's the latest with Karine Balan?

I'm getting there.

The kid is seeing the Judge next week, same time as his mother.

It's a difficult case.

Patricia?

Vincent and...

who was it, Tom? Cassagne?

Yes.

I did all the usual checks.

The father's previous employers, the places they visit

the school principal.

And I keep hearing the same thing. An attentive father, a happy kid

great grades.

All that's left is to look at where they live.

Good. Excellent.

A nice, simple case. Just what I like.

Closed as quickly as it was opened.

Exactly.

He's got loads ofSkylanders figures.

-Yeah? -Giants, Eons, Spyros...

And his comforter is super soft and warm.

We watched cartoons on the flat screen.

And you know what? The best thing is the bath.

It's like a swimming pool, but really warm.

It was so cool. I even did some deep-sea diving.

You know what would be cool, Dad?

No, but I'm about to find out.

If we invite Mathis over to our place.

Please, Dad?

Tom, you know we can't.

We haven't got a normal house. We can't invite him to a garage.

Tom, I promise we're going to have our own house soon.

We can invite your friend round. All your friends. OK?

-OK? -Yes.

Come on.

-Coming? -I'll wait for Alex.

-See you tomorrow. -Yeah, see you.

-Ready? -Yeah.

I'm always here when you think of me.

Who was that redhead you were talking to earlier?

Charlotte. A new girl. She's nice.

You'd like her. I'll introduce you.

That won't be easy, considering...

you forget me the moment you see her.

Are you jealous? Don't you want me to have any friends?

Don't be silly. How could I be jealous of your friends

when we are one person? When you're happy, I'm happy too.

Hang on a second.

Théeophile says that, but he's thinking the opposite.

He can see that Paul is growing up.

Soon, he won't need an imaginary friend anymore

and he'll forget him like an old toy.

So Théeophile is afraid he's going to disappear.

Understand? You need to get that across.

Ready?

OK, go.

How could I be jealous of your friends when we're one person?

When you're happy, I'm happy too.

That was brilliant.

That was so good!

Right, bedtime.

-Show me first. -What?

Who was that redhead you were talking to earlier?

Are you going to be back before I wake up?

I think that I...

really, really don't want...

to go to work tonight.

Would you mind if I stayed here with you instead?

Really?

-Yeah. -Yes!

All right.

Good night, Dad.

Good night, Tom.

-A builder? -Yes. Me.

- A welder? -Yes.

You.

I also need two tilers.

You two. The brothers.

Great.

Right, let's go.

That's it for today.

Have a good day.

Yes?

I'm already at the office. Why?

Are you completely mad?

-I was going to tell you. -Tell me what?

Why did you lie to me?

Why did you cover up something that needed urgent intervention?

Really urgent! We're talking about a 10-year-old boy living in a garage!

There's things to consider, though.

I don't care if this kid has good grades and great friends.

He's got no water or electricity. OK?

Even the best intentions can't really help people, Patricia.

You of all people know that. Think of the problems you caused in the past.

Wait a second.

That wasn't just me.

We've all screwed up sometime or other. It's part of the job.

We help people out of dire situations. It doesn't always work

but at the very least, we expect you to work as a team.

And to follow the rules.

I'm sorry.

I've handed this case to Nadia.

I'll oversee it myself.

We've already contacted the Family Judge.

Forget this case.

You must have some time off you can take? Take it. Immediately.

No, Judge, it's not a good idea to take the son from his father.

No, I'm sorry. We can't have a child sleeping in a garage.

You know I respect your work and I've often followed your lead

but with this, I can't. It's just not possible.

Sorry, I have to go.

Yes, Chief. We're here.

Understood.

What kind of wretch would rent this out?

You wouldn't believe some of the things we see.

Whole families in a place the size of a closet.

Single moms...

living in their cars with their kids.

Zero, zero, seven, zero, zero, seven.

Tom, there's your dad.

Tom, come here.

Come here.

You're not going to...

What are you doing?

-What is it? -Climb over.

-Why? -Because I said so.

What are you doing?

Tell me!

But, Tom, what are you doing?

-Is that Tom walking off? -Tom!

What are you doing over there? Mr. Cassagne, is there a problem?

Mr. Cassagne?

Stop!

What are you doing?

Mr. Cassagne!

Let's leave it.

Get down.

Come on, we can't stay here.

Vincent, I need to talk to you.

The case has been taken out of my hands, I've been suspended.

I'd like to see you right away.

Try to stay calm about the idea of a placement for Tom.

Work with them as much as possible, it'll win you favor with the judge.

And then, everything should go smoothly.

Call me back as soon as you can. We still have some options.

Goodbye.

You OK?

Can we go and see the windows?

Go on!

-Shall we? -Yeah.

Look.

See it?

-What? -We're going to explode!

Look, Dad!

Please. Spare any change?

Spare any change?

Please.

Go on, Dad, give him something.

-Here. -Thank you, sir.

He's coming out.

Bravo.

-I can't believe this. How could you? -Better than being on the streets!

You took 250 euros a month from them, for fuck's sake!

Rubberneckers...

He put people up in a parking lot.

Who?

It's true. It was Vincent. His son is at the school.

I've seen him in the cafée doing his homework.

Bastard!

Asshole!

-Get lost, jerk! -Idiot!

That's right, get out of here!

What do you mean, he's run away?

During recess.

They saw him run off with his dad.

Is he crazy?

He must know the cops will be after him.

They already are.

Where's he taking the kid? We really need to talk to him!

I tried calling but he didn't answer.

I'll try too. Thanks for letting me know. Bye.

You've reached the answerphone...

Shit.

Dad?

I'm tired.

Let's sit down a while.

Got a smoke?

You didn't drink it all, look.

No!

There's loads. Look at me when I'm talking to you.

I can't believe you...

What?

-Let's go. -Dad?

No, let's go. Come on.

Are we going home?

Come on.

Wait. Stay here.

See that house there?

With the iron gate?

You're going to ring the bell.

A lady lives there.

She'll know what to do.

Aren't we going home?

No, we can't. Not anymore.

We don't have a home anymore.

She's called Patricia. She's really nice.

You need to do what she tells you.

Do you promise?

What about you?

You're coming too, aren't you?

Look at me.

Go.

Get out of here. Go, I said.

No.

Do as I say. Go. Come on.

-Not without you. -Don't argue. Get out of here.

No. Tom, stop.

Tom, I can't keep you. Please, I can't keep you with me.

I have no choice. Do you understand?

You do as I say, OK?

-How can you do this to me? -Don't you see?

Don't you see? I don't want you anymore!

Just go, already!

That's not you, Dad.

That's not you.

What are you doing here?

Are you all alone?

Come with me.

-Sorry. I'm late. -I noticed.

Too many case files on your plate?

I've been asked to terminate your employment, Patricia.

You're smug about it, too.

It's not what you think at all.

You know what I think, do you?

It's not really the moment, is it? Hi, Tom.

I'm Nadia. My boss is waiting for us. He's really nice.

Bye.

Let's go.

This way.

-Alcohol is the problem. -Perhaps we're to blame.

We saw the boy every day and we didn't notice.

We don't pay enough attention to others.

Wait a second.

We shouldn't make excuses. It's his problem.

-I think it's everybody's problem. -Yes.

Thank you for waiting.

-Where's Tom? -Is he coming back to school?

Will you say something to the other kids?

-That's a good idea. -Wait...

We can't all talk at once.

And who are you?

Sorry. This is Patricia Lefort, a Social Assistant

who knows the Cassagne case well.

How can you take a child from his father?

Just because he can't get any work? -No, it's not like that.

For Tom, the problem was housing. We can't leave a child in a place

with no electricity or sanitation.

-He took good care of him. -Yes.

Making him live in a garage, that's taking care of him?

-It's ridiculous. We should... -Let Ms. Lefort finish.

I just want to add that our priority is to place the child

in a safe environment, hence this urgent placement.

But it is temporary.

-Temporary until when? -Until the family situation improves

or they find different housing...

-Where's the father now, exactly? -Good question.

What if they don't find somewhere else to live?

Well...

It's a long process. There are a lot of possibilities.

Either Tom stays in the children's home a while longer

or we find a foster family, the Family Judge will decide.

But let me reiterate, none of this is carved in stone.

What if we found them somewhere to live?

-That would be faster. -Yes.

What about the building we were going to use as a music room?

Yes, we've been waiting ages for that to happen. Let's use that.

That building isn't in a fit state, and, anyway, it belongs to city hall.

I've got some free time, I could clean it up.

Me too. If we all pitch in, we could get it done really fast.

I'm Juliette Adam.

I'm Parent Representative and my son is Tom's best friend.

-Pleased to meet you. -If you ever need my help...

Thank you. Thanks a lot.

I'd really like to do something.

-Thanks. -No problem.

That's kind.

Give me a hand.

This is crazy.

We need to be understanding. It's really shaken them.

This isn't something on TV news, it's right in front of them.

It's a friend of their children. They want to help, show solidarity.

It's amazing.

The Mayor will never let Mr. Cassagne move here with his son

that's for certain.

We need a way to help them.

Housing isn't my area of expertise, but...

for three years, I've requested a handyman position be created.

So we could ride on all this emotion, excuse my phrasing...

for you to make the request again?

That's what I was thinking.

But won't City Hall have to pay to create this new position?

The Mayor has other things to think about with the elections coming up.

No, I think the opposite.

It's the opposite.

These elections are a godsend for us.

If we make enough noise about community spirit

converting this building for him, even if it's unrealistic...

the Mayor might just give it a second thought.

If only to maintain his left-wing image.

It would reflect badly on him

if he didn't create a position for a citizen in distress.

I'm happy to look after getting permission for the building.

And I'll look after the job request.

Perhaps we could do something on social networking sites?

That's a good idea, to create a buzz.

All of this will show the Judge

that Mr. Vincent Cassagne is not on his own and is worth their time.

That's my place!

Asshole, get off my cardboard!

Get off!

Get off!

I'll kill you, you bastard. I'll kill you!

Fuck, get out of here.

Do you want the cops to come?

I'll kill you, asshole!

Let go!

Get lost!

Fuck!

Don't stick around here.

Steer clear of him when he's in that state.

Have you eaten?

Asshole.

Enjoy your meal. Help yourself to bread.

Hello.

Enjoy your meal.

Aren't you hungry?

This is for you.

There's space for you at the back, there.

-Can I take a shower? -It's too late for tonight.

-Not even two minutes? -No. Tomorrow morning.

After breakfast. At 6:30am, everybody needs to get going.

Keep your bag close, if I were you.

You can use it as a pillow.

You OK?

Eat up. It's not so bad here.

It can be hard at first, but you'll make some friends.

My name's Pierre.

What's yours?

It's Tom, isn't it?

Try to eat something. I'm here if you want to talk, OK?

Keep going.

You're here.

Hello. Hi, Tom. It's great to see you.

He hasn't said a word for two days.

-Thank you. Goodbye. -Bye.

Bye, Tom.

Yes?

Hello, everyone.

Sit down, please.

Tom is coming back to class, please make him feel welcome.

I'll leave him with you, Ms. Icher.

I think he was in a children's home.

Hi, Tom.

You can take your seat.

Want to sit down?

Why isn't he sitting next to him?

Great. See if you have your History book.

We really need a title, something memorable.

-Short, though. Or else it won't fit. -Yeah.

Father and son.

-No... -Vincent and Tom?

-Tom and Vincent? -That's like Tom and Jerry.

It sounds like Tom and Jerry.

I don't know.

The...

-The box they were living in... -Yes. Box number 27.

-That's not bad. -It's too long, look.

Yeah. The box number...

The box 27.

Box 27!

Box 27. That's great.

-27. -There. That's great.

This is Evelyne Ratier, a local newspaper journalist.

She's come to see what we're doing for Mr. Cassagne.

-Patricia Lefort, Social Assistant. -Pleased to meet you.

Juliette Adam, Parent Representative.

Hello.

-Ms. Robert told me everything. -Evelyn and I know each other well.

She was a pupil here. Makes me feel old.

-Shall I show you the site? -Thank you.

Box 27.

That's great.

Why didn't you sit next to me?

What did I say?

I know it was you, Féelix.

I want complete silence within five seconds

or we'll inspect lockers and beds.

Is everything in order?

Good night, everybody.

Are you jealous?

Don't you want me to have any friends?

Don't be silly.

How could I be jealous of your friends

when we are one person?

When you're happy...

I'm happy too.

Who was that redhead you were talking to earlier?

Charlotte. A new girl. She's nice.

You'd like her. I'll introduce you.

That won't be easy, considering...

you forget me the moment you see her.

Are you jealous? Don't you want me to have any friends?

Don't be silly. How could I be jealous of your friends

when we are one person?

Mum, you promised.

Sorry.

What are you doing up?

I can't sleep.

Come here.

Why won't Tom talk to me anymore?

What did I do wrong?

You didn't do anything.

You didn't do anything, honey.

Tom's just going through a...

tough time, so he's a bit...

unhappy.

When you're happy, I'm happy too.

Hang on a second...

What's going on?

-It was him. -Silence!

I won't stand for this.

I know it wasn't you. It's hard at first, but you'll be OK.

Come on.

You've reached the answerphone of Vincent Cassagne.

I can't get to the phone, please leave a message...

I found this outside your door.

What do you want? I thought I was on leave.

Can't I come in?

Here is fine. What do you want?

I read your interview about Cassagne. It was interesting.

A bit over the top, but it's interesting.

I said the truth.

Your truth.

Patricia.

All I care about is the kids' well-being.

Really?

Is that why you're separating a father and son who love each other?

Isn't it time we revisited our grading system, our criteria

all the little rules we come up with in the office?

Don't you ever walk down the street?

Don't you see these torn-apart families?

Single moms in their cars? Under bridges?

Kids roaming around train stations like stray dogs?

Because that's the truth. It's unbearable, but it's the truth.

My truth! I carry that with me every day.

You think that's how to help people? By splitting them up?

When I was six, I was taken away from my parents. They were addicts.

It saved my life.

Going back to Tom Cassagne...

Nadia tells me he's not doing well.

He's not said a word since we separated him from his dad, so...

let's get to work.

Didn't you hear me? Shouldn't you be at the office by this time?

Very good. Thanks, girls.

Shall we move on to Théeophile and Paul?

Théeophile? Théeophile?

Start again.

Théeophile? Théeophile?

I'm here.

I was scared. I haven't seen you all day.

I'm always here when you think of me.

Who was that redhead you were talking to earlier?

Charlotte. A new girl.

She's nice.

You'd like her. I'll introduce you.

That won't be easy, considering you forget me the moment you see her.

Are you jealous? Don't you want me to have any friends?

Don't be silly.

How could I be jealous of your friends

when we are one person?

When you're happy...

I'm happy too.

Perfect.

Well done, both of you.

Did you practice a lot?

Yeah.

Well, just once together.

Do you know the next part, too?

By heart.

And Tom, have you had time to learn it?

Tom?

What's the matter?

Are you annoyed?

No.

But I don't want to talk.

OK.

Mum?

I saw Tom's dad at recess.

-Did you? -Yeah, behind the fence.

He was hiding in the bushes.

Go and see Ms. Robert. I'll be two minutes.

-See you. -Come with me.

-Just stand next to me. -Yes.

-Ready? -Yes.

-Let's go. -Action.

Je Vous Il, your local online TV station

is here to show you where it all started.

It was here at the Françcoise Dolto school

that the blog and Facebook page "Box 27" were created.

Ms. Juliette Adam, did you start this initiative?

Well, it's a community initiative led by all the teachers and parents.

You already have hundreds of Facebook friends, lots of Likes...

That's right, and the local press and radio have been very supportive.

We're hearing more and more stories

about the issue of separating parents and kids outside of this case.

This is about more than Mr. Cassagne and his son.

We feel that there's...

a huge amount of solidarity on display here.

Yes, it's great to see. Thank you.

Thank you.

Vincent! Come back, please!

Vincent, come back!

We're working on it, things are happening at the school.

All the parents are coming together for you, you're not alone!

We need you. Tom needs you.

Who needs a dad who can't provide a home?

-That doesn't matter to him. -He should stay where he is.

No, you know that's not true. Vincent!

Shit!

I'm always here when you think of me.

Who was that redhead you were talking to earlier?

Charlotte. A new girl. She's nice.

You'd like her...

Lentils and carrots?

...that won't be easy, considering...

You forget me the moment you see her.

Are you jealous?

Enjoy your meal.

...don't be silly.

How could I be jealous of your friends

when we are the same person?

Hello, sir. Lentils and carrots?

Lentils and carrots, sir?

Enjoy your meal.

Help yourself to bread.

Hello, ma'am. Would you like some lentils?

We have some news. I'll start with the bad.

City Hall rejected the agreement

on insurance grounds.

No. I can't believe it.

What does it cost the Mayor?

Wait. He was really touched by Mr. Cassagne and Tom's situation.

We're touched that he's touched.

No, but he really understands the emotion Box 27 has created.

It's amazing how these politicians become so emotional before elections.

But this really helps us.

Because he's approved the creation of a handyman job for Vincent.

How do we know he won't change his mind?

I'm going to write a job offer that will be sent this afternoon.

We should have a response by the end of the week.

With this job offer

Mr. Cassagne is more likely to get social housing.

So long as we find him to tell him that.

What are you doing here?

-I just need two minutes. -No you don't.

Get out of here before I call the cops!

Go on.

It will be fine, you'll see.

What if I forget my lines tomorrow?

You know it by heart.

No, I don't. Not anymore. I've forgotten how it starts.

Don't be so silly.

Good night, honey.

Mum?

Yes?

Might we lose our house one day, too?

No, no.

No.

Go to sleep.

You've reached the answerphone of Vincent...

Leave a message after the tone.

Hi Vincent, it's Juliette.

There's a lot I want to say but I can't think what anymore.

I'm at home, in the kitchen.

I've started smoking again.

Mathis isn't happy about it.

Right. I'm talking nonsense.

Listen...

I don't care where you were living or how.

I just know that you're a wonderful father.

The type of dad I'd have loved my son to have.

His father may have a nice apartment, but he never sees his son.

He almost always forgets his birthday and he never comes to school events.

That's saying nothing about end-of-year shows.

By the way...

Don't forget, tomorrow's the big day.

I heard that Tom was...

was brilliant in rehearsals.

But that he's sad and he...

he won't speak to anybody except on stage.

Listen, I'm sorry. You must think I'm crazy but...

just one last thing...

Answer machine is now full.

Where are you sleeping tonight?

I don't know yet.

No.

You're dumb. It's warmer than a fire.

Plus it helps you forget.

-Forget that you're cold? -No.

No, that I was warm, once.

Or that I once had a job.

And a home.

I built homes once.

Did you? Build the Egyptian pyramids too, did you?

I was intelligent, before.

Before what, exactly?

If you're intelligent, it's for life. Same goes for stupidity.

I helped my son with his homework.

Right up until senior high.

You have a son now, do you?

Yes, my friend. He even studied Medicine.

Here's to the doc's health, then!

Sounds like they could do with a doc now.

It's eight years since I last saw him.

What about you, Vincent?

Got any kids?

No.

Paul, look at me.

Look at me, Paul!

I feel like I'm disappearing. Like everything is fading.

I'm looking at you. Don't be scared, I'm here.

I'll tear your stupid clown's head off! That should shut him up!

No, I'll shut you up!

I'll destroy you!

Get off! Let go!

Tom! Let go. Let go!

Let go of him!

Calm down!

Silence!

-Calm yourself down. -Get off me!

-Calm down. -No!

I'll let go when you calm down a bit.

Calming down?

-You're mad. -You're mad!

Calm down.

Tom...

Théeo! Théeo, come here.

-Leave him alone. -Tom.

Wait...

I wasn't...

Sir?

Do you need help?

Sir...

That's great, you're back with us.

How are you feeling?

Not great, I imagine.

Let me just lift you up slightly.

Ready?

Just help me out a little...

There we go. Great.

I'd like you to take this.

It will reduce the pain and the headache.

Give me your hand.

This is all normal after an ethylic coma.

There.

Drink up.

OK. What you need is plenty of rest.

That should help you sleep.

Don't worry, we put all your things in that little closet there.

And as for the beard...

It'll grow back.

We needed to get rid of it to treat you.

Right. I'll be back later.

Get some rest.

Hello.

Hello.

You have one new message.

Hi, Vincent, it's Juliette.

There's a lot I want to say but I can't think what anymore.

I'm at home, in the kitchen.

I've started smoking again.

Mathis isn't happy about it.

Right. I'm talking nonsense.

Dear parents and friends...

The big moment has finally arrived.

I imagine you're even more nervous than the kids.

Our rising stars are going to perform

a play by Ernestine Claude...

...Listen. I don't care where you were living or how.

I just know that you're a wonderful father.

The type of dad I'd have loved my son to have.

Animals, on stage.

By the way, don't forget, tomorrow's the big day.

I heard that Tom was...

was brilliant in rehearsals.

But that he's sad and he...

he won't speak to anybody except on stage.

I'm sorry. You must think I'm crazy, but..

Just one last thing...

All that's left to say is...

enjoy the show!

Come here, Tom.

Come here.

There we go.

Mathis...

Where's your hat?

-I don't know. -What do you mean, you don't know?

There it is.

You're ready. Let's go.

Right.

Look.

I'm already disappearing.

But I'd never forget you, Théeophile!

Of course you will. It's normal.

She's so pretty.

Goodbye, Théeophile.

Farewell, Paul.

Paul? Where are you? Paul?

I'm here.

Bravo!

Bravo.

Well done!

Tom?

Tom?

Tom?

Tom?

Tom, where were you? You scared me!

I want to go back.

-What? -I want to go back to the home.

Now? What about the party with all your friends?

I want to go back.

Right, well...

As you wish. I'll tell the Principal.

Such a shame, though.

It was really moving. I'm so pleased.

I was so scared. But it was so good.

Hello.

What a shame, you're too late.

Your son just left with Ms. Lefort.

Tom!

Tom!

Tom!

Tom, wait.

Go and speak to him.

-No. -Tom, please.

Go on, go and talk to him. Come on.

Please.

Go on.

-Hi, Tom. -You weren't there.

I ran. I ran and ran, but I...

I got there too late.

The play had finished.

I did it so you would come.

All the parents were there, except you.

I know.

Forgive me, please.

Tom, I'm sorry for everything. For the play, for...

I was lost. I'm lost without you.

I was ashamed. Do you understand?

Understand?

No.

I didn't like the...

the father I'd become. I was...

I was angry with myself.

Why?

Because a dad needs to give his child a proper home.

A home with heating, and...

with lighting, and...

with hot water for baths.

With...

with a TV.

With a real bedroom.

And real windows.

But I liked our home.

Yes but...

It wasn't enough.

I couldn't provide enough for you. That's why I had to leave.

But when I...

when I said I didn't want you anymore, that wasn't true.

It was me I didn't want anymore.

I was angry with myself.

It was me I was ashamed of.

Being ashamed sucks.

It does no good at all.

Yes.

Yes.

Come on.

Will it take a long time?

There's not a lot of social housing and the waiting period can be long.

But with your job offer, I'll be able to build a case.

Yes. And what about Tom?

I'm going to look for a room in a family hostel.

There's not many of them, but it's worth a shot.

Yes.

It could take weeks...

Have faith, Vincent. With everything that's happened to Tom, to you

all this solidarity and support has been wonderful, hasn't it?

Now, Tom's safe and warm, and you'll soon be reunited.

So you just need to give it all you've got, for Tom.

For yourself.

And also because...

because sometimes we all want that happy ending.

You and me, we're one person.

When you're happy...

I'm happy too.