It's early morning on New Year's Eve when nine-year-old Massimo wakes up to a long, doleful cry and the disconcerting image of his dad being supported by two strangers. Inexplicably, his mother has disappeared, leaving only her dressing gown crumpled on his bed and a vague trail of perfume in the air. Where has she gone? Will she ever come back? And will Massimo ever be able to say sorry, after quarrelling with her the night before?