In 2002 on the south coast of Australia, Lidia – a self-conscious 12-year-old on the brink of adolescence – navigates the turbulent first day of high school orientation.

Lidia arrives with her well-meaning but socially awkward father, Geoff, in tow. They’re late. As they rush through the school grounds, she becomes acutely aware of how different her life – and her dad – seem, compared to the other students. She decides to distance herself from Geoff and his weathered clothing and social awkwardness.

Lidia tries to ingratiate herself with a group of popular girls led by the sharp-tongued Nadia by inventing a humiliating story about her own dad. She tells Nadia that he’s a stranger, calls him a creep and a weirdo. Nadia laughs, and for a brief moment, Lidia is accepted – until her lie is exposed. Nadia discovers who Geoff really is, and Lidia is branded a liar and is cast out. Her day couldn’t get any worse, but it does – she gets her period for the first time, and when the other girls notice the blood stain on her shorts, her internal shame becomes public. She runs.

Outside, away from the crowd, Geoff approaches her gently. He offers her a jumper to put around her waist. They walk home together, and for a moment, Lidia accepts the imperfect but genuine bond she shares with her dad.