14-year-old Holly has written a school essay in which she accuses her stepfather of physical abuse. The social services' most experienced social worker, Lars Madsen, is handed the case.
With their children forcibly removed, Dea and Simon find themselves alone in the empty house. They decide to hire a lawyer to bring their own case against social services.
Learning that Holly has a lively imagination, Lars begins to doubt her version of events. In an attempt to cheer Theo up, Holly writes to her mother, informing her that Theo will be at football practice.
Holly and Theo return home to a strained family atmosphere. Dea is keen to create a positive vibe and mend the fences, but Simon is feeling paranoid towards Holly, who refuses to take part in the family's reunion.