Original subtitles

This story was inspired by actual events.

- How are we on oxygen? - Fine.

Start massaging.

One milligram of adrenaline, please.

Sergeant Pasquier requesting motorized escort at 8 rue Montmartre.

- Ready to go? - Roger.

Replace the sergeant.

The ambulance is here.

Did the water help?

Yes.

It will be fine.

- How many now? - Two milligrams.

Adrenaline injected.

How's her insulin?

- She's fibrillating. Shock her! - Charging.

Ready to shock. Clear! Shock!

Check her pulse.

- Got it. - Get a stretcher and a respirator.

Set up the adrenaline.

Good job, guys.

- Does it fit? - Yes.

Up!

A bit higher.

Attach it.

The form needs filling out.

Here.

343-20 for a personal injury...

I'll be upstairs.

Can someone stop by later to check on you?

- Let's go. - Roger.

The concierge stops by. She's nice.

Let's go.

Your wife will be fine tonight.

She'll be taken care of and get some rest.

I was scared, you know.

Of course you were...

But we did what was necessary. There's no need to worry.

We've lived together for 50 years.

You're lucky.

50 years is wonderful.

Yes...

Will she be okay?

She's stable for now.

She needs rest. The doctors will tell you more tomorrow.

Don't worry, sir. Don't be scared.

She's in good hands.

Thank you.

It's nothing. Try to get some rest.

THROUGH THE FIRE

- He's having fun. - He's dreaming!

You're beautiful.

- I'm getting married tonight! - Yes?

Again?

Play some dancing music!

A special dedication to the Rousseau firefighters!

I love this song!

How's it going?

- Morning, Franck! - Morning, Sergeant.

- Anything special this morning? - No.

Fire guard, attention!

- Raise the flag! - Now!

Attention!

Roll call!

- Firefighter Rémy. - Killed in action.

- Corporal Guignard. - Killed in action.

- Chief Warrant Officer Elhuard. - Killed in action.

- Firefighter Boulay. - Killed in action.

- First-class Firefighter Maréchal. - Killed in action.

- First-class Firefighter Hideux. - Killed in action.

- First-class Fireman Guillamot. - Killed in action.

Sgt Pasquier, nine years' service, Vehicle Chief.

Go!

Sgt Corbel, 12 years' service, Duty Chief.

Go!

The first three.

Corporal Fourres, nine years' service, Vehicle Chief.

Go!

Corporal Thouvenot, six years' service, Fire Chief.

Corporal Villemont, three years' service, firefighter.

Vehicle chief?

Equipment tested. SCBA at 280 bar. ID plate missing.

Roger. First chief?

All SCBAs at 280 bar. No problems detected.

Roger.

Attention!

Fall out. Proceed to workout.

Next, we move to the rope. Go, go, go!

Go!

Give it all you've got!

One more time.

Next!

- Where to, Martin? - Injury at a nursery school. Let's go!

That's for us.

- What is it? - Rambuteau Station. Metro suicide.

Rambuteau Station. Metro suicide.

Saint-Denis Porte Sud entrance.

The power may be on. Stay off the tracks.

Roger.

Put the rescue equipment by that green locker.

Service is suspended between Châtelet and République.

Eyes peeled! Put the pieces in the bags.

Watch your step on the tracks.

I've got a leg!

Corporal, it must be here.

Put the limbs to one side.

Vehicle 225 to a medical emergency at 8 rue Michel-Le-Comte.

A woman in her 50s. Is that correct? Over.

It's Annie.

Madam, it's the firefighters.

We have a female in her 50s. Homeless, inebriated.

She's a regular.

Slight hypothermia. Oral temperature, 35.8.

We'll take her to Cochin hospital.

Copy.

Hi!

- How are you? - Fine. You?

- Get any sleep? - Yes.

I slept, I studied, I ate.

I'm off tomorrow.

I could pick you up and we could see a movie.

Great.

How was your day?

Fine.

There's more and more movement.

It's a new sensation. It's weird.

One of our Year 1 kids is getting bullied.

They beat him up every recess.

Just for fun.

Imagine, Year 1!

I haven't kissed you yet.

How are you, guys? Everything okay in there?

It's Daddy.

We can't wait for you to be here.

Even if it gives us the jitters.

No one will bother you, not at recess or anywhere.

Guaranteed. 100 per cent.

Do you realise how much life's going to change?

A family.

Baby bottles, cribs...

Dolls!

Yes.

Actually, I don't.

I don't think it's really sunk in.

I'd love to have a real home.

One day.

What do you mean, a real home?

It's great here. I love our fake home.

And the fire station, the national anthem, the uniforms...

The babies will love it.

They will.

You couldn't live without it.

Really? Are you sure about that?

I am. Are you kidding?

Immediate intervention!

Penalty.

Watch out! Baby on board!

Okay, nice and easy.

- Lie down, madam. - Really?

With a baby on board, it's wiser. There...

Gently...

- Do you want to play, Franck? - No, I have to study.

And it would make an unfair fight.

Are you that bad?

I beg your pardon?

- Who am I with? - Bouchara and the two girls.

Bouchara of course.

Because you're so good. Come on.

- Very promising. - Go, Bouchara!

Here!

Unmarked. Very physical, apparently.

Go, Bouchara!

Classic move!

We've got finesse!

This test concludes your NCO Level 2 training.

You've had two years of training.

200 of you started. There are only 20 of you left.

The 20 best candidates to become fire commanders.

Don't fail so close to the end.

Good luck.

Do honour to the Brigade.

Begin!

Yes.

Sorry.

Shit.

Was he on a call?

Okay.

Yes...

Okay.

Thanks for calling.

Thank you.

What happened?

Martin...

He was on a call. He slipped off a roof.

Is he hurt?

Two broken ribs, head trauma.

He'll be fine.

- Where is he? - Val de Grâce Hospital.

I'll go and see him tomorrow.

We train all day long to make sure that never happens.

But it does.

It shouldn't have. I don't know what happened.

I'm very obedient.

If I'm told "Slipping off a roof is forbidden," it's forbidden.

I'm very clear about rules.

Don't worry.

- What is it? - Car accident.

Corner of Avenue Hoche.

A woman's unconscious. Car accident.

Roger that.

Get the gear.

Hang on, madam.

- You okay? - I'll hold her head.

- I'm the doctor. - She passed out and lost control.

We're applying CPR but no results yet.

They're going to cut her out.

She's totally trapped.

Keep going with the CPR.

I'll insert a line and intubate her.

She's flat-lining.

Are you done? I'll take over.

She isn't going to make it.

Stop.

Shit...

Let's pack up.

Where are they? They have to cut her out!

Stop, Sergeant. It's over.

Let's get out.

Cover her up.

- Everything okay? - Fine.

A bit hard but fine.

Do you want to talk about it?

Thanks.

Our song.

The one, the only...

the inevitable.

- First-class firefighter Maréchal. - Killed in action.

- First-class firefighter Hideux. - Killed in action.

- First-class firefighter Guillamot. - Killed in action.

Attention!

Sgt Pasquier, step out of line.

Sgt Pasquier, you have been awarded the fire chief certificate.

Beyond the title,

it sums up a firefighter's pledge to protect and save the public

even from the greatest danger, fire.

Sergeant, you now have the command of fire rescue operations.

In the name of the Brigade,

I congratulate you on the promising career ahead of you.

Would you like to say something?

Just thank you.

Like any recipient, I'm very proud. Thank you.

Sgt Pasquier...

fall back in line.

Attention!

Fall out! Back to your posts.

Thanks, guys.

- You deserve it. - Thanks.

Hello, stranger! How's rehab?

How are you, Martin? Is your ear better?

Well done!

- Glad you made it. - I wanted to be here.

Cheers, Michelle!

Just a little?

Maya wants some.

One more drop.

- I'm so proud of you, son. - Thank you.

Thank you.

Attention!

Excuse me.

Franck...

my sweetheart,

my love.

Your family's here,

our daughters...

my brother.

This job means so much to you.

It demands so much...

from you...

from us.

It's allowed you to grow so much.

We're all very happy for you.

I love you.

Thank you.

- To the fires you'll put out! - We love you!

To you!

Next!

Go!

- Come on! - Go, Martin!

Martin!

You okay, Martin?

I've got it. Are you okay?

A dizzy spell. These fucking dizzy spells never stop!

Will you be okay?

- Come and have a coffee with the guys. - No.

Everyone's waiting.

You don't get it. It's over for me here.

- Why? - I'm 29.

My inner ear's screwed. That's it.

Neither operation worked.

Why didn't you tell me?

You've been kind of absent.

I kept believing in miracles.

I fell off that fucking roof like a jerk.

My granddad and my dad were firemen. I'm the first one this has happened to.

I'm an embarrassment.

Get a second opinion, another operation... It's just...

Fire!

Sergeant... It's a warehouse fire.

- Where? - Saint-Denis. It's bad.

They need reinforcements.

We're going as reinforcements.

- Terrorist attack? - Warehouse fire. It looks bad.

Warrant officer Weber, dangerous warehouse fire.

79 rue Du Landy, Saint-Denis.

Sergeant Pasquier at your service.

We've surrounded the site. You'll support Sector Alpha team.

The guys are struggling.

Yes, Captain!

- Stay in pairs and follow me. - Roger that.

Today's the day. Our first blaze.

There's a high-pressure hose inside. You'll replace that crew.

It may be spreading to the upper offices. We have to control it fast.

Stick together. Follow the hose.

- Okay at the back? - Fine, Sergeant!

Don't be intimidated. Let's go, guys!

Forward!

We're taking over, guys.

First man on the hose. Watch out!

Fuck!

Blast it! Don't let it get any further!

Good!

- It mustn't spread! - Roger that!

Second team, recce upstairs! Follow me.

Watch out! It's worse up there.

Attention, all sector chiefs...

- Are you behind me? - Right behind you.

- Corporal, with me! - Okay!

Set up the hose. Attack it from here!

- Roger. - Breathing apparatus on!

Roger, Sergeant! Bouchara, turn on the feed!

Anyone in here? It's the fire brigade!

Anyone in here?

Anyone in here? It's the fire brigade!

Get moving, guys!

Fire brigade!

The fire's gaining intensity. We have more reinforcements...

Sergeant, we're ready!

Aim high! Cool down the hot gases.

Roger that!

All right?

Good!

Pasquier to Sector Alpha chief.

Copy.

I've just made a reconnaissance upstairs.

I have a line. No victims but we need reinforcements.

Roger. I'll send in reinforcements ASAP.

Turn off the hose. It's spreading. Change the point of attack!

Mouss, it's burning under you. It may cave in.

We're pulling out.

Get down, right now!

Mouss!

Can you hear me?

It's caving in!

Everybody out! Now!

Leave everything! Get out!

I have a crew upstairs. I have to get them.

Negative, Pasquier! Don't go up alone!

Mouss...

Calling all sector chiefs!

Bouchara!

- You okay? - We got blasted.

Get him up and out!

Go!

Get him out!

Go, go, go!

I repeat, to all sector chiefs...

I want a personnel update.

Okay, guys?

Get out, Franck! It's everywhere!

I will! Go!

All Sector Alpha chiefs, confirm that all your personnel are out!

- Okay, guys? - Come here.

Gear off.

Franck's not out!

Why isn't he coming out?

- We have to help him! Quick! - No one's going in!

Pasquier, where are you? Your crew's out!

Pasquier, answer me!

Answer me, Pasquier!

Pasquier, can you hear me?

I'm stuck!

That's it for now. We'll change his bandages tomorrow.

- Hello. - Hello, Cécile. You okay?

He just woke up. He doesn't realise he's been in a coma for eight weeks.

He isn't fully aware of his burns but seems worried.

Reassure him.

Tell him he's okay and stronger already, which is actually true.

Nathalie will take you. I'll wait in my office.

We're only letting one person in to let him rest and minimise exposure.

Visits are limited to one hour a day.

We're waking him up gradually.

We'll explain the burns on his face, arms and lungs are being treated.

He's in a stable condition.

We have every reason to be optimistic. But it will be a long fight.

Cécile, if you need us, we're here for you.

If you have any questions.

But...

Is he going to pull through now?

Some patients decide that what's ahead isn't worth it.

Even in a coma, they give up.

The moral support of loved ones is what keeps them going.

All right.

- Ready? - Yes.

Everyone's here.

We all came.

The girls are at my parents'. They're fine.

Your crew stopped by.

Bouchara was very emotional. He asked me to tell you...

Franck?

Nathalie!

He's getting agitated.

I'll handle it.

Are you okay, Franck?

Don't worry. He'll be fine.

We're decreasing his morphine and sedation.

Good morning, Franck.

Time for a wash.

Don't worry. You'll soon be able to speak.

Don't cry.

You don't know how resourceful you are.

You're going to pull through, Franck. I promise.

Trust us.

We'll turn you onto your back now.

I'll be right back.

Then we'll leave you in peace.

Are you okay?

We'll put you in an antiseptic bath. It may be cold.

Tell us if it hurts. We'll adjust the anesthetic.

Let's go!

Wait... All good now.

One, two, three..

- Oxygen disconnected. - I'm behind you.

Come closer. Over here.

- Oxygen connected. - Catheter.

Hand me the urine bag.

Hold on...

Lower him in.

Breathe, Franck!

Morphine!

You'll be fine, Franck. Breathe slowly.

Dressings off!

There.

Great.

Are you okay, Franck?

We met a friend from the day-care centre.

I can't remember her name.

She had chicken pox.

And Maya said,

"Chicken hawks?"

Cute, isn't it?

Then we went shopping.

The girls want to give you a fabulous Christmas present.

They bought pasta shells and stickers in every colour.

- It will be-- - Mum.

Mum...

Yes, baby?

Don't worry.

Don't worry, Franck.

You're in good hands. They're terrific here.

Are you okay?

The light may blind you but that's normal.

Today's a big day. You've been here six months.

Hello.

This new ward will do you good. It will help you regain sensation.

Great.

Move forward. Great.

Gently.

Great. Keep going. Come on.

Terrific. Great work, Franck.

Take your time.

Stand up straight. Great.

There.

It's too tight. It hurts.

I know but we have no choice.

You'll get used to it.

All the way, Franck. Keep pushing.

Keep your head up. Great.

All the way. There!

- See? You almost made it. - Good job, Franck.

Very good.

Whenever you're ready. Keep going.

Great. The whole scale. Go on.

Great. Keep going. That's it.

Yes!

Great.

Great job, Franck. Keep it up.

You do this... then pull.

You can do it yourself by fastening the loop.

You made it.

I couldn't...

I couldn't understand...

Why me, you know?

And...

I don't even know what I'm going to look like.

I don't know what's going to happen now.

Careful.

That's good.

Get ready to move him.

You'll be fine, Franck.

There.

Fuck!

It hurts!

- Leave me alone! - Morphine!

- Stop! - You'll be fine.

I spoke to the doctor again.

He said he'd make an exception and let you come home.

For a day or two.

Maybe for a weekend.

Will you be all right?

Thank you.

WELCOME HOME, FRANCK

For Sergeant Pasquier...

Attention!

Here we are.

Hello!

- Hi, Franck. - Hello, Daddy!

Say hello! Hello, Daddy!

- Hello. - Hello, son!

Look.

Look.

It's Daddy.

Let's put them in bed. They're tired.

- Let me help you. - Yes, please.

It's good to see you.

Careful.

Do you want to sit down?

Can I get you a drink?

My famous chicken!

It's good to be here for a few days with you all.

It's good that you're here.

Marc?

Let's dig in.

We were thinking about renting a nice house for the holiday

for us all somewhere.

Would you like that?

I don't know.

I don't really know the schedule

for the operations.

And will the girls...

Don't worry about them. They're still babies.

They haven't seen you in so long...

Excuse me.

Come on, Mum.

It's going to be fine.

Your daughters love you very much.

I know, Mum.

I know.

It's just that...

I don't really know what I'm going to do.

Or what will happen now.

I don't really know.

I'm sorry. I'm tired.

Excuse me. I need a rest.

- Hold on. - No, thank you. I'm fine.

I can't stay in the fire station.

I can't. I'm sorry...

But I can't stay here.

I'm sorry about all this.

Breathe...

Calm down. Michelle!

- What? - I can't breathe.

Call the hospital...

Take deep breaths. Calm down.

Sudden lung failure.

We'll keep him in ER to stabilize his breathing.

Then he'll go back to his room.

We'll do more tests. It may be a germ.

I think it's a spike in stress.

It's rare but it happens.

Acute depression, the shock of going home...

And he's exhausted. He hardly sleeps at the moment.

But we're here.

We'll take care of him.

Be brave.

See on the canals Those vessels sleeping

Their mood is adventurous

It's to satisfy Your slightest desire

That they come from the ends of the earth.

The setting suns Adorn the fields,

The canals, the entire city,

With hyacinth and gold

The world falls asleep

In a warm glow of light.

There, all is order and beauty,

Luxury, calm and pleasure.

Help me! Please!

Help me, please! Help!

Mouss!

Franck!

You don't know how resourceful you are.

Franck!

Sergeant, you're on a warehouse fire.

Help!

Franck!

Stay with us!

Wake up.

Franck, wake up.

Wake up now.

You're back in your room. The operation went very well.

Everything's fine.

Sixteen.

What?

I've been here for 16 months.

24 operations.

You shouldn't count.

Wake up slowly.

Cécile told me

you had another inner ear operation.

And it worked.

Yes.

That's good.

Happy for you.

So tell me...

how's it going at the fire station?

Your days...

Shit, Franck.

Stop for fuck's sake.

Tell me about you.

Tell me what you're feeling, what I can do.

I don't want you to come back, Martin.

I need to be alone.

Do you understand?

I just wanted--

How long will you keep coming?

Another four months? Another six?

A year maybe?

Just to prove to yourself you're a good guy.

I'm fucked, Martin.

Now you have to leave me alone.

Pasquier, killed in action!

Never without his respirator!

All alone!

Never without his respirator!

Killed in action! Pasquier!

- Firemen don't die, Pasquier! - Franck!

What's happening?

Calm down...

Killed in action!

Killed in action, Pasquier!

Firemen don't die, Pasquier!

Pasquier, killed in action.

Great fucking success, Franck!

You're alone!

Pasquier!

Firemen don't die, Pasquier!

They don't die!

Never without his respirator!

- Calm down. - Leave me alone!

- Hold on. - Hands off!

It's okay, Franck. It's okay.

Franck, it's okay...

Leave me alone...

- Calm down. - Leave me alone.

- Look at me. - Leave me alone.

Easy...

You have to leave me alone.

Now leave me alone.

We're moving next weekend.

We're leaving the fire station.

Martin will help us.

The other firefighters, too.

Martin sends his love.

Are you okay, darling?

What's the matter?

Take your clothes off.

Take your clothes off.

I want to look at you.

I want to see your hips, your skin, your arse...

Take your clothes off.

Did you ever want a monster?

I'm the monster now.

At first, I thought that maybe I was too young,

that I wouldn't know what to do.

But the day my daughters were born...

was the best day of my life.

It was obvious.

I was so moved, I thought my heart would explode.

I felt so good...

like that's where I belonged.

That day, I said to myself...

"Now, buddy...

"you're not allowed to die.

"For their sake."

I thought that to myself.

I didn't tell anyone...

not even Cécile.

Just myself.

I imposed that on myself.

And then...

everything went black...

when I hit the ground.

The accident...

When I lost consciousness...

I only thought of Cécile and my babies.

I only thought of them.

I thought I'd probably never see them again.

I thought...

I was scared.

I was scared I wouldn't be able...

to keep my promise.

And that...

totally engulfed me.

That's all I could think of at that moment.

I don't want them to suffer.

I can't stop thinking...

Wouldn't they be better off without a father?

You know? Rather than...

this.

Because I cause them pain.

Cécile has to be free again.

I can't be with her anymore.

I can't.

And you know... I miss her.

I miss her every day, obviously.

I try to hold on.

I try but...

life's forgotten me.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad...

it wouldn't be so bad to die.

No.

You can't say that.

You'll go home, Franck. You're young.

You have so much ahead of you.

With your daughters,

Cécile, your family...

I know you'll find your way there.

You have what it takes to go on.

Don't give up.

I'll be right back.

I don't know why I've bothered you.

I asked you to come...

I think I just needed to talk.

It's an unusual appointment.

What can I do for you?

Franck's not well.

I suggested medication and counseling.

He needs help.

He'll be discharged soon. But his morale is very low.

I'm worried I can't help him anymore.

Maybe that's why he's gotten worse.

What concerns you exactly?

Will you tell me?

I lie to him.

I've been lying for months.

For two years now.

We lost everything with his accident.

We had dreams.

We were talking about building a home of our own.

We never will.

He became a fireman to heal...

after his father walked out.

He was building his whole life around that.

I'm not up to it.

I feel dirty.

I feel...

dishonest.

I'm not sure I love him the way I used to.

There's nothing medical in what I'm about to say.

I had cancer about 10 years ago.

I was 40. That's quite young too.

My wife supported me, as best she could.

I never knew if she thought I had become a burden,

that I wouldn't make it or that our life would never be the same.

I'm grateful she never said anything.

It saved me.

I don't know why I'm telling you all this.

I like you, Cécile.

You and Franck.

I often think life is like sand.

Everything trickles away.

Youth, beauty...

strength...

facial features...

It's inescapable.

Everything trickles away.

Except maybe our life choices.

Feelings.

Franck is lucky to be treated by you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

- Take care. - Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Franck.

Don't worry.

I know you'll be fine.

- Come back and see us. - Okay, Doctor.

The ambulance is waiting.

Thank you.

I know how to care for people.

It was my job. I know how to do that.

Okay.

Direct contact with customers

or the public in general...

won't be easy.

We'll see. We'll have to think about it.

We have other accident victims, like you.

Burn victims are different because your scars are visible.

You'll get used to being stared at.

Unfortunately, people will always look at you...

with surprise, let's say.

That's a handicap when you look for a job.

Mr Pasquier...

At the request of the Minister of the Interior

and the General of the Brigade

and in the name of the President of the Republic,

I present you with this medal of honour.

I was 18 when I signed up.

I was never the tallest or the strongest.

That was the point.

I liked the idea that this profession could make me strong,

confident,

invincible in a way.

This photo behind me

was taken ten years ago

when I joined the brigade.

That accident happened

and I wanted to help my men.

They couldn't hear me so I went and got them.

So I accomplished my mission.

I saved and I perished.

I've always felt that this profession was pushing us toward life.

When we begin and first get here...

we're just kids.

Then we suddenly have to become adults,

to defend life,

to care for the victims,

the desperate,

human madness...

I know that's over for me.

And now I feel like everyone else.

There are many people like me whose lives suddenly fall apart.

People who have car accidents,

cancer patients,

bikers who fall and wind up in a wheelchair...

There are many.

It's banal.

The truth is that no one is invincible.

Sometimes we think we're heroes

but we're just lost.

All of us.

When I hear people talk about my courage,

I struggle to recognise myself today.

I think my wife and daughters are the courageous ones.

Today of course,

I feel I haven't fulfilled all my dreams.

I wanted to command a fire station.

I never will.

I know what I've lost.

Fellowship...

brotherhood...

surpassing myself, helping others...

That was my profession.

Despite that and despite everything,

it was an honour

and often a joy

to serve the Paris Fire Brigade.

Thank you for listening.

Thank you, Sergeant Pasquier. Thank you.

I thought it would do me good.

But I feel like I was a clown.

Why do you stay with me?

Are you still sure you love me?

How can you be sure?

Stop.

I'm no longer a man for you.

I can't do anything. I can't even carry the groceries.

Look at my face, my mouth...

I have a hard time eating, speaking. All the time.

I live in slow motion. I'm like an old man.

Do you still want me?

Really?

Like before?

Yes.

Not like before.

Look at me.

Look. Look at me, Cécile.

My face...

These aren't my features, my wrinkles...

There's no history.

That's what I should have said at the ceremony.

We're trapped now.

We're both trapped. You see?

- What do you want? - Give me some space.

I need time to find my bearings. I need to be alone.

I need time!

I can't handle these expectations. As a fireman or a burns victim!

Can you understand that?

I'm sorry about what I said yesterday.

You said you needed time.

Maybe you're right.

I don't know.

I don't know why I said that.

Maybe out of fear.

I need time too.

I don't have the answers to your questions.

I'll stay with my parents for a while.

They'll help me.

I'm tired.

I have to eat before class.

You're not listening. You don't get it.

- You don't get it. - Franck, you're fighting yourself.

I've been going downhill with you for two years.

I take antidepressants but I'm still drowning.

More and more.

I'm tired, Franck.

I can't do it anymore.

I'm worn out.

You ask if I love you.

It's me I don't like anymore.

Me.

Is that it?

Is that what you had to say to me?

You've reached Cécile Pasquier's voicemail--

You've reached Cécile Pasquier's--

MUM

FIREFIGHTERS SAVE OR PERISH

There.

You can stop wearing it now.

Your skin looks very good.

Come in.

Here.

Here goes, Martin...

I'm sorry.

About the hospital.

And I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you had your accident.

Shall we drink that bottle?

Yes.

We'll do that, then I'll take you to dinner.

I have something to tell you.

You're getting married?

I passed.

I got my firefighter's diploma. I got there.

Dinner's on you, then.

- Got any glasses? - Hold on...

URGENT XYLOPHONE PLAYER NEEDED

- Are you here for the job? - Yes.

It's your turn.

Hello. I'm Mr Pasquier's social worker.

- Here. - Great. Thank you.

The director, Mrs Mouron, will review your application.

We'll let you know in two or three weeks. Is that okay?

Yes...

- Thank you very much. - Thank you.

Excuse me.

In fact, I wanted to say...

I saw your poster.

It's good timing. I play the xylophone really well.

I don't doubt it.

I doubt that. I doubt that you don't doubt it.

Look. I'd really...

I'd really love to play in that concert.

It would mean a lot to me.

I'd love to play in front of my wife and my daughters.

If you could help me do that, it would really be great.

Really.

I had an accident, as you will have guessed.

The truth is, I'm not the greatest xylophone player.

But I play and I can read music.

And I can practise day and night to be perfect for that concert.

It would really mean a lot to me.

It's just an end-of-season seniors concert.

That's good. Sounds great to me.

Fine. It's not up to me.

But I'll call and make an appointment for you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

And I need the job too.

Thank you.

How are you?

- How are you all? - We're fine.

And you?

Fine.

Fine.

The doctors want to do another operation

that could help my condition.

I'm happy for you.

Really.

I'm playing in a band.

We're doing a concert.

I'm on xylophone.

If by chance

you and the girls could come...

here's the date.

I got them a little toy xylophone.

There's just one octave but it's very colourful.

And it has a good sound. I tried it.

They already have one.

I have to go.

They didn't come?

No, they didn't come.

I have good news.

We all like you. Your application's successful.

You got my job at the reception desk.

Really? I'm happy.

Mrs Mouron wants to tell you. Will you have a glass of champagne?

I can't but you can drink for me.

Okay.

My wife hasn't seen the last of me yet.

I'll try another tactic.

Don't tell me you're going to the school party?

It's Daddy, sweeties!

Daddy?

And what's this?

What is that?

It's...

It's perfect.

That looks great on you.

Look!

It's a penguin.

It's the first time you've kissed them since the accident.

Eight, seven, six, five, four...

When is the operation?

I love you, Cécile.

I love you.

Maybe you still love me too?

You know, in there...

I haven't changed.

I may even be getting better.

And I haven't changed there either.

I might even be a little better too.

Come back.

I know we can still talk to each other. We can still laugh.

I could always make you laugh, couldn't I?

Yes, but I'm easy to please.

Yes. That's true.

I don't even know if they've been sick,

if they've had colds...

I don't know the names of their friends.

I don't know if they were scared.

If they needed me.

They were scared.

We were scared.

They needed you, Franck.

This new operation they want to do...

It makes me hope that I'll be like I was before.

Progress, research...

I'm not going back to hospital.

It makes you believe in miracles and...

I'll always have too many scars.

There.

I'll never come out ahead.

I don't know what's going to happen...

And I'm still afraid.

I want these years to be over.

They're years of suffering.

I want to be done with them.

I love you.

And I love our daughters. That's what gives meaning to my life.

Being with you.

Building our house.

Having a home.

You and me.

Growing old together.

I also want to say thank you.

Whatever you decide.

Thank you.

I haven't said it often enough.

This face you see...

it will stay like this.

If that's okay with you.

Okay.

Are you sure?

You're handsome.

Don't go overboard.

Don't hesitate to contact us about registration or for any information.

- Great. - Thank you.

You're welcome. Have a nice day.

- Hello, Franck. - Hello.

For my wife and my daughter,

who have filled the vast, dark night with gold and light.

To those who find the strength to get back up and start all over again.

Subtitles © SBS Australia 2019