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Home is Where the Hurt Is

Album: Gold Audio 11: It's Another Fine Day

Episode: 150

Lesson/Theme: Dealing with an alcoholic parent.

Bible Verse: Proverbs 20:1; Ephesians 5:18

Characters: Lucy, Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: April 20, 1991

Last Air Date: July 25, 2008

Description:
Curt is scheming. He has called up the publisher of his math book to have the company send him a teacher's copy, which contains all the answers. It's a devious plan, and it almost works. Except the company that prints his math book is a subsidiary of Universal Press, the company Whit owns. Lucy informs Whit of Curt's scheme. Whit tells her that a salesman will deliver the book in person to Curt's house! Lucy relays this to Curt, and he races home in a panic to meet the salesman before his father does. Lucy hasn't been to Curt's house before. Out of curiosity, she follows him home. Once there, Lucy learns why Curt has never invited her over: His father is an alcoholic. Until now, Curt has successfully hidden it from everybody. He is so embarrassed that Lucy discovered his secret, he disappears for several days. Finally, Whit and Lucy find Curt fishing at Trickle Lake. They offer their support, but Curt doesn't want any. He just wants to pretend that things are the same as before they knew about his father. Curt assures them that it's no big deal and asks to be left alone. Lucy and Whit honor his request. They go, leaving Curt alone with his thoughts, his fishing line, and his tears.

Questions:
Why didn't Curt want to talk about his dad's alcoholism? Was it wrong for Lucy to follow Curt home, then tell Whit what she saw? Why or why not? Do you know of someone in Curt's situation? If so, what's the best way to help them?