In Neighbours, reality is quite different from what Mackenzie (Georgie Stone) appears to be doing since Hendrix’s (Ben Turland) passing.
She may have appeared to be handling things well to those around her, but she has actually been breaking down and finding it difficult to motivate herself to eat.
Her father Grant (Paul Mercurio) notices the change as her strong front begins to falter. The two of them realise they need to be more honest with one another, and it appears that they have moved forward. But when Sadie finds some unexpected Hendrix videos, Grant becomes fearful and forbids Sadie from showing his young daughter.
Even after Wendy gently reminds him that Mackenzie is an adult and should be able to make her own decisions, Grant is confident he is acting appropriately. Grant maintains his position up until Toadie (Ryan Moloney) and Melanie (Lucinda Cowden) speak to him and convince him that he is in error. Will Mackenzie’s downward spiral worsen if she learns what he did?
After taking a vacation, Karl (Alan Fletcher) and Susan (Jackie Woodburne) return to the scene of Grant’s deeds and are shocked by how reclusive Mackenzie has become. She had no desire to mend their connection, despite their encouragement to speak with Grant and recognise that he had her best interests at heart. But a sudden appearance might turn out to be Mackenzie’s guiding star.
When Harold finally shows there, he reads her like a book and recognises her difficulties right away. She is still not eating and is hardly able to handle her anguish. Harold shares with her his experience navigating his own world of grief. Mackenzie begins to see some light for the first time in a very long time. Will she be able to survive on this alone?
