It tells the story of a young boy on a school skiing trip who suffers anxiety attacks that bring on disturbing nightmares.

The story begins with Nicolas, a shy and introverted ten years old, dreading the school ski trip.

His overprotective father decides to drive Nicolas by himself to the ski resort, instead of letting him go on a bus with the rest of the group.

Nicolas subsequently forgets his bag in his father's car, increasing his awkwardness when he shows up for the class trip without any spare clothes or toiletries.

Nicolas goes out into the freezing cold and ends up locked out, and in desperation curls up inside the car of his ski instructor, Patrick.

He dreams that he is at a theme park with Hodkann and Patrick and that he goes on a giant caterpillar while his little brother is looked after by another seemingly friendly man.

The dream is poignant because Nicolas, months before, had not been allowed to go on a similar ride because it would have meant leaving his little brother with a stranger.

During the drive home, newspapers and TV stations are shown reporting on the story, and Patrick awkwardly tries to shield Nicolas from them.