Disappearing Acts

Zora moves from Manhattan to a newly renovated brownstone in Brooklyn, but Franklin informs her the floors aren’t dry yet. He’s seen polishing the floors and tells her she cannot move in immediately. She’s frustrated as the moving men threaten to leave her furniture on the sidewalk, and Franklin offers to help her unpack and settle in.

While Zora walks home, Franklin waits on the stoop to see her, and she chastises him for arriving unannounced. He explains he wanted to see her and they can't hide their mutual attraction. They invite him inside, give in to their chemistry, and have sex.

They discuss dreams and ambitions; Zora wants to be a singer, Franklin wants to launch his contracting business. Both admit they were putting love off until they were ready. They acknowledge their bond and commit to exploring it.

They spend days cooking home meals, playing Scrabble, and watching television together. Franklin borrows money from his friend Jimmy; Jimmy repays a loan that he had given him, and Franklin uses part of the money to retrieve Zora's piano from layaway. The couple enjoys simple domestic moments.

Zora auditions for producer Reggie Baptiste and lands a six-song demo deal. She starts laying the groundwork to record with him and pursue her music career.

Franklin opens up about his past: he dropped out in the eleventh grade and never earned a GED, and he is still married with two sons. Zora is taken aback and accuses him of caring more about degrees and dollars than their relationship.

Zora confesses she loves Franklin and asks him to move in with her and meet his children. He admits the relationship would require a divorce, promising to take that step as soon as he can.

Zora meets Franklin's sons, Marcus and Tyree; Tyree warms up to her after she teaches him notes on her piano, while Marcus remains wary. The family dynamics begin to unfold as they navigate a future together.

Zora experiences an epileptic seizure in her sleep, which she hides from Franklin. The next morning he confronts her about why she kept it from him, and she explains she didn’t want to scare him off. He reassures her that the seizure won’t drive him away.

Zora becomes pregnant and contemplates abortion, but Franklin convinces her to keep the baby. They plan their future with the understanding that he will finish his business and eventually divorce.

Nine months later, Zora gives birth to their son Jeremiah. The timing deepens their bond but also intensifies the financial pressures they face as a couple.

After the birth, things get financially tough as Franklin is out of work and turns to drinking. He forgets to pick up the baby from daycare, causing Zora to miss her recording session with Reg and lose her demo deal.

A heated argument leads to a breakup. In a moment of despair, Franklin vandalizes their home with a hammer, leaving both of them shaken as Zora sleeps in the other room.

Seven months pass before Franklin returns to Zora’s house to see his son. He reveals he has earned his GED and is taking his contractor test the next day, while Zora shares that one of her songs is on the radio. They acknowledge the endurance of their love despite the obstacles.

They argue that their love endured beyond timing, then reconcile over a quiet game of Scrabble. The final moment suggests a renewed balance as they reconnect through shared warmth and a familiar activity.