Never underestimate the commercial value of mental illness.
Family Reunion
Étienne Dunham LaMontagne, 46. Absentminded engineer, father of 5, grandfather of 3, egotistical, rude, demanding, hates babies, loves teenagers, dresses like a pirate. One half of defunct LaMontagne2, architecture and engineering firm, and thoroughly, utterly bewildered by why the love of his life wanted a divorce. Decided to go on a walkabout with his second son, Kimber, to learn how to be an adult.
Mi-Kyung “Tess” Chun LaMontagne, 44. Brilliant, visionary green architect, the other half of LaMontagne2, with a handful of prestigious design awards behind her. Mother of 5, grandmother of 3, bipolar, hates teenagers, loves babies, dresses like the love child of a belly dancer and a Harajuku girl. Can’t remember why she asked the love of her life for a divorce, but didn’t get a chance to tell him she changed her mind before he walked out.
Étienne Dunham LaMontagne, 46. Born in Paris, France, and didn’t learn English well enough to make himself understood until he was about twelve. His gorgeous red dreadlocks and heavy French accent turn heads and open doors wherever he goes.
Mi-Kyung “Tess” Chun LaMontagne, 44. Born in Salt Lake City. Flashy, bipolar, yet with a head for lists and routines, she happily ran Étienne’s life because he couldn’t be bothered while keeping hold of her own identity and accomplishments—until she turned into a staid and regimented housewife togged out in cardigans and sensible shoes and doesn’t remember why.
Tabitha Harriet LaMontagne Falks, 22. Child #1. Married to missing husband Dave, mother of 2, and desperately in need of rescue she couldn’t ask for but prayed for—and it came just at the point of no return.
Ki-Soo “Chad” LaMontagne, 20. Child #2, twin #1. LDS missionary in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Utterly disciplined, loves King Arthur and women, has a rock-solid code of ethics and theological clarity.
Kimber Chun LaMontagne, 20. Child #3, twin #2. Uncontrolled bipolar, left home at 16 after yet another fight with his mother, and walked around the world. Twice. Then his dad joined him and taught him how to adult.
Darcy Victoria LaMontagne Nyman, 19. Child #4. Married to her high school bestie Jeremy, pregnant with her first child, suffering from severe antepartum psychosis. Reader, fanfiction writer, cosplayer, and looking at divorce and single motherhood before she’s out of her teens.
Soon-hee “Kelly” LaMontagne, 17. Child #5. Currently occupied with keeping Darcy alive from her psychotic spells, alternating with her brother-in-law, mother, grandmother, aunts, after having dropped out of high school to do so. At her breaking point, she slaps her hand on the reset button and asks her dad to come home and help them.