The story opens on New Year's Day. Beth has a mental health issue: she is deeply anxious, terrified of the world and afraid even to leave the house. Her new year's resolution is to take a year off and live all alone - with no contact with friends, family, colleagues, no phone calls or social media: the only person she will see is the delivery man who brings her groceries once a week. One spring morning, Beth gets a visit from a friendly dog. Soon he is followed by his owner, a young woman who has moved in across the street.