Kieran is the youngest of Ann and John's children, and the first to go to university; they're sad to say goodbye when they drop him off, but glad that he is getting the opportunity they never had. When they struggle to keep in touch with Kieran they assume he's out partying all night, but in reality he is struggling to fit in.

One night, as Ann and John try again to get through on the phone, Kieran's girlfriend Amy finds an unconscious Kieran on the floor with a bottle of pills next to him. Kieran tries to shrug it off and makes Amy promise not to tell his parents.

Events come to a head when Kieran finds himself unable to go into a lecture and has a panic attack. Ann and John rush over to see him - Ann's desperately worried, but John's getting worked up about responsibility and the cost of an education. They're both shocked by the state of Kieran - his flat is a mess, he's lost weight, and Ann can tell there's something seriously wrong. Kieran is tight-lipped but Ann gets the truth about the overdose from Amy, and they take him home.

The doctor gives Kieran a prescription for anti-depressants but he doesn't want to take them and hides the prescription from his parents. John gets annoyed with Kieran just lying around 'feeling sorry for himself' and thinks Ann is pandering to him. When John lies to his mother about Kieran, Ann accuses John of stigmatising the problem. They argue and apportion blame; both want to help Kieran but struggle to connect.

A chance incident shakes Kieran from his torpor and he starts to get himself together. When Amy comes to visit, Kieran is surprised but thrilled to see her - until she lets slip that Ann invited her. The ensuing argument changes all of their lives forever. Show less