Meredith has long grown accustomed to solitude. For three years now, she hasn’t stepped outside, doesn’t talk to her mother or older sister, and does her best to avoid any memories of what came before.
She doesn’t need to ask the world for anything. She earns well and gets everything she needs through delivery. She keeps herself in shape. Maintains impeccable order in the house. Cooks a lot—and with pleasure. Reads, re-watches old films, puts together puzzles, and for long stretches just stares at the cherry tree in the neighbor’s yard. And every Christmas, she makes sure to set up a Christmas tree and lay out gifts beneath it.
Meredith doesn’t consider herself lonely. She has a friend, Sadie, who drops by with her kids and shares stories from her full and eventful personal life. There’s also a gentle red cat, Fred, who settles into a ball on her lap. And even her psychologist—who, once a week, assigns unusual “homework” exercises.
Meredith isn’t seeking change: it has never made her happier. But even within the confines of four walls, you can’t keep everything under control forever. New people, ideas, and hopes begin to enter her life—and for them, Meredith finally decides to take a step beyond the threshold of her own home.