Butterflies Are Free

In bohemian San Francisco, Jill discovers her next-door neighbor is Don, a 20-year-old aspiring singer-songwriter who peers through her window. She is intrigued by him and introduces herself the next day, beginning to get to know her enigmatic neighbor. This initial encounter sets the stage for an unlikely connection between them.

Don reveals that he has a pact with his mother Florence, allowing him to live independently for two months without her interference. He makes it clear that this arrangement is meant to give him space to grow. Jill listens, curious about the boundaries of their unusual living situation.

Jill confesses she had a six-day marriage at 16 and has sworn off commitments to avoid hurting people. Don explains that he is blind and relies on a 'shadow vision' to sense obstacles and avoid accidents. Their honesty deepens the budding trust between them.

Jill misattributes a quote to Mark Twain, which Don corrects as coming from Bleak House by Charles Dickens. He uses the moment as inspiration for a new song, naming it Butterflies Are Free. The exchange cements their shared creative energy.

Jill urges Don to wear more stylish clothes, helping him break away from his mother's tastes. They walk to a bohemian clothing store on Union Street, where Don buys a bold outfit that makes him look like a musician. Their shopping trip also touches on Jill's upcoming audition with theater director Ralph Santore.

Back at the apartment, Don talks about Florence's Donnie Dark books and the ideas they represent for his future. He admits that her high expectations sometimes make him feel inadequate. The conversation reveals the tension behind his confident public persona.

Jill suggests unlocking the door that connects their apartments to become closer. She offers Don a chance to touch her face so he can 'see' her, and the moment deepens their bond until they eventually sleep together.

The morning after, Jill is joyful about their intimacy and reveals secrets from her keepsake box. Don listens with care, and their growing trust becomes a foundation for their evolving relationship. The pair begin to envision a shared future, even as outside opinions loom.

Florence arrives unexpectedly, appalled by Don's living conditions and Jill's presence in her underwear. She quickly shifts the mood toward dinner plans that evening, while Jill returns to her own apartment to prepare for an audition. The clash highlights the fragility of Don's independence.

In Don's absence, Florence tries to steer Jill away by inviting her to lunch and discussing Don's past love and the need for commitment. Jill counters that Florence is stunting Don's growth, while Don goes out to shop for dinner to host later that night. The tensions simmer as the evening approaches.

That night, while awaiting Jill's return, Don scolds Florence for secretly talking to Jill earlier about his life. When Jill arrives with Ralph, she reveals she has been given a minor role in a play that will include a nude scene. The revelation foreshadows a potential disruption in her relationship with Don.

Jill announces that she has decided to move in with Ralph, which wounds Don deeply. He tearfully pleads with Florence to take him back home, hoping to regain the security of his mother's care. The emotional blow marks a turning point in his fragile independence.

Florence reveals that the Donnie Dark books were meant to help Don confront his fears and grow. She also confesses she struggles to accept that she is no longer needed, and she leaves after embracing her son. The departure leaves Don feeling abandoned yet more determined to prove himself.

Jill returns to say goodbye to Don, admitting she fears hurting him and asserting she can leave whenever she wants. Don accuses her of being emotionally crippled, and Jill leaves to meet Ralph. He experiences a breakdown while listening to Butterflies Are Free, overwhelmed by the upheaval.

Shortly afterward, Jill returns and tells Don she had a shadow vision of an obstacle in front of her—Ralph. They laugh and hug, reaffirming their connection despite the tensions between freedom and commitment. The moment closes the chapter on their volatile but enduring bond.