Touchy Feely 2013

As the relationship between massage therapist Abby (character) and her boyfriend Jesse begins to falter, an inexplicable aversion to human skin starts to manifest in Abby, prompting her to take a temporary leave of absence from work. Her growing revulsion towards physical contact has a profound impact on her connection with Jesse, making it increasingly difficult for her to touch or be touched by him. A chance suggestion from Abby to Jesse that they take ecstasy pills, courtesy of Bronwyn, ultimately leads to the demise of their living arrangements together.

Meanwhile, Abby’s brother Paul struggles to keep his family dentistry practice afloat amidst dwindling patient numbers and an aversion to marketing efforts. When his daughter Jenny invites her friend Henry in for a routine teeth-cleaning, Paul is less than thrilled. However, Paul inadvertently cures Henry’s temporomandibular joint dysfunction, leading to a surge of new patients seeking his unique healing abilities. Emboldened by the outpouring of enthusiasm, Paul visits Bronwyn to learn Reiki and better serve his clients. His newfound expertise brings him initial success, but ultimately, his fortunes reverse when a disgruntled patient collapses in the waiting room, calling Paul’s skills into question. Witnessing her father’s downward spiral, Jenny runs out of the office, tears streaming down her face.

As Abby’s relationship with Jesse reaches its breaking point, she departs, leaving behind a break-up note and moving in with her brother. Under the influence of ecstasy, she meanders through a park, eventually crossing paths with Adrian, who leads her to his grandmother’s home, where physical contact is no longer an issue for her. Paul, meanwhile, stumbles upon the remaining ecstasy tablet and, fueled by curiosity, takes it. His wanderings lead him to Bronwyn’s doorstep, where their mutual attraction culminates in a romantic kiss.

As Abby’s emotional distance from Jesse continues to grow, Jenny turns to her ex-boyfriend, inviting him to Henry’s music concert. The evening ends with Jesse politely declining her request for a kiss, citing his enduring love for Abby. As the night wears on, Jenny falls asleep at his apartment, only to be awakened by a knock at the door from Abby herself, now able to embrace Jesse without hesitation.