Empty nest

Empty nest

Making choices may be fun for people who are confident. For Soof, it is nerve-wrecking. She prefers not to choose. Or a little bit of everything. Some fish, some meat. But sometimes real choices need to be made. It’s fun being with Mick, but making a real commitment? Her excuse: the kids aren’t ready. She prefers to keep her love affair a secret. Mick doesn’t ring the door bell, but sneaks in and out through the window. He’d like things to be different, but leaves Soof her space.

Sacha has news: She’s leaving home. She’s officially renting a room in the student house where Vlinder lives. Soof is supportive, proud of her daughter. Together with Kasper they come to see the place. There’s a lot of painting to be done, and Sasha is counting on her practical dad for help. All very well, but then who will finish the attic?

Arjen, one of Kasper’s friends, has left his wife and is looking for a temporary place to stay. Soof is opposed, but Kasper sees an opportunity. He will stay with Josien and her mum, while Arjen stays in the attic and carries on with the refurbishment. A payment in kind. Problem solved.

They wave off Sasha, realizing that she’s the first to flee the nest. They share the same feelings. They will always be connected, because of their kids. A phone rings, it’s Josien. Kasper has a first taste of what it will be like to juggle two families. Dividing your attention is hard. When Sasha calls him the next day, he doesn’t answer, too busy with his new family. Thankfully, she gets an unannounced visit from Rob, who offers to help. As they work together to paint the walls blue, they talk about living one’s dreams. It makes Sasha reconsider whether she’s picked the right course.

They’re in a bit of a fix at the CookSoof’s, Gerrit is ill and Hansje jumps at the chance to help out, much to Joy’s chagrin. Hansje once again is over-assertive in getting everything ready. Mick brings some friends to dinner at the CookSoof. He wants to introduce Soof as his new girlfriend, but Soof cuts him short.

One of Mick’s friends is a publisher. Mick has seen Soof’s scrap cook book on her desk. Simple recipes with personal photos and stories about her life and her children. Something that people can identify with. Something to publish, perhaps. But Soof is modest. Is scared to even begin contemplating something like that.

There is a lot of noise from outside, it is annoying the guests. Arjen has stopped his DIY activities and is now playing drinking games with some of his single friends. Soof calls Kasper to tell him he needs to come down to resolve the situation. Immediately. Josien is expecting him, but he promises Soof he will come down right away,

At the restaurant, the risotto proves inedible. Joy doesn’t understand, her risotto was perfect. There’s only one person who might be responsible: Hansje. Yes, she added some seasoning to the dish. Joy has had enough and confronts Soof: Either Hansje leaves, or Joy will. Soof is at a loss. Choosing between her mum and her best sous-chef? It’s a dilemma.

Kasper wants to send his drunken friends home, but they persuade him to have a beer with them. Just the one. Which turns into a whole case. Josien calls for the umpteenth time, but Kasper doesn’t answer. Sasha does make a choice. She decides to follow her dream and not to give up dancing. She registers for the selection process for a dance teacher training course. Rob says he’ll help her train.

The CookSoof closes down, while Soof contemplates her life. She realizes she’s home alone. The twins are at a school summer camp and Sasha’s moved out. It’s strange to be alone. A new phase in her life.

She hears some weird noises and gets the fright of her life when she sees a man in the doorway. Thank god, it’s Mick, who has snuck in, as they agreed. He is fed up and asks Soof for a commitment. Before she can answer, they are harassed by a boozed-up Arjen and Kasper, who thought Mick was a burglar. Kasper ends up with a head injury, which Soof lovingly dresses. Mick goes home, they exchange a look from which Kasper deduces that things are serious between them. He’s happy for Soof, who remains cautious. When Josien drives up, angry and concerned, Kasper stresses out, but Soof covers for him. Says it’s all her fault, that she was home alone and called Kasper because she heard a burglar. Josien softens up, is embarrassed that she was angry, sees Kasper as a hero. This is what they continue to do for each other, Soof and Kasper. It is time to make choices. Soof chooses Joy. It is very hard, but she tells her mum she is no longer welcome in her kitchen. In her house, yes. But no longer in the CookSoof. Hansje goes home, it is painful. Arjen also makes his choice, he is going back to his wife. Sasha chooses dance, Kasper chooses Josien. And Soof? Soof finally decides to commit to Mick.