Matchstick (ePub)

Marie, a safeguarding adult social worker, is given her first assignment after returning to work following a yearlong mental health break.

Arriving at the police station, she is briefed on the case and the police officer who made the arrest describes the man as suffering from learning difficulties and recommends he is placed in a mental health facility as he poses a danger to the public.

Marie meets with the man and discovers that he is profoundly deaf and mute. He has no identification and the police are unable to find any records. She communicates in lip-reading and writing with the man who reveals his name, and finds that he lives on an isolated farm, known to one of the ageing police officers who tells Marie of the family but knew nothing of Arthur.

Taking Arthur home to the farm, she meets his brother who thanks her for her help, stating he is a distant relative whom he is responsible for. Reluctantly, she leaves. After she drives away, the brother attacks Arthur and beats him severely, warning him never to leave the farm again or he will die.

Marie visits the farm and the brother is away, Arthur hesitates before letting her in and she is concerned with his injuries. He claims he was attacked by one of the farm animals. He opens up, revealing that he can sign and tells her of his parents and how he was isolated and kept on the farm due to his parent's fears.

Things take a dangerous turn for Marie as the brother tries to keep his grip of fear and control on Arthur. Ignoring her safety, she pushes to open up Arthur's life and show him a life beyond the farm which has become his prison.