Stella Grant, portrayed by Haley Lu Richardson, is a young woman navigating life as a cystic fibrosis (CF) patient. Utilizing social media as a coping mechanism, she strives to maintain a sense of normalcy despite her condition. Her world takes an unexpected turn when she meets Will Newman, brought to life by Cole Sprouse, another CF patient with whom she quickly forms a deep connection. Intrigued by Stella's insightful YouTube Vlog, where she candidly discusses her experiences living with CF, Will becomes captivated and consumes every video she uploads.
Stella's best friend, Poe, who also has CF and openly identifies as gay, confides in her about his recent breakup, pushing Stella to confront the realities of their condition and isolation. Haunted by the adventurous spirit of her late sister, Abby, who tragically passed away years before during a cliff diving accident, Stella is burdened with a mix of nostalgia and loss.
In the hospital, strict protocols mandate that CF patients maintain a distance of six feet (1.8 m) apart to mitigate the risk of life-threatening cross-infections. Kimberly Hebert Gregory, who plays Stella's nurse, Barbara, carries the weight of prior tragedies when two CF patients she cared for succumbed to such infections. Concerned for her patients, she monitors their interactions closely.
Their budding romance begins with a secretive date where they adhere to the distance rule, ultimately leading them to the hospital pool. There, they expose their scars, symbolic of their past battles, and share a magical moment by swimming together. However, their escapade does not go unnoticed. Barbara soon realizes they are missing and launches an immediate search.
As Will undergoes a challenging medication trial to address the bacterial infection in his lungs, Stella passionately encourages him to commit to his treatment plan. In a unique twist, she offers to let him draw her in exchange for his compliance, leading to more interactions through video chats and even a second date. As their bond deepens, Stella finds herself letting go of some of the rigid boundaries she's set, resulting in them playfully using a billiards cue to navigate their surroundings.
To celebrate Will's birthday, Stella surprises him with a thoughtful scavenger hunt that culminates in a gathering with friends and a feast prepared by Poe, bringing moments of joy amidst their struggles. However, as their relationship develops, the hospital staff begin to recognize the risks associated with their closeness and consider transferring Will to another facility.
The situation escalates dramatically when the nurses find Poe unconscious in his room, leading to a frantic medical response. Tragically, despite their efforts, he does not survive, leaving Stella devastated at the loss of her closest friend without a proper farewell.
In the wake of this heart-wrenching experience, Stella confesses to Will her feelings of survivor guilt after losing so many loved ones, including her sister and now Poe. She opens up about a longing to see the lights, a dream that requires them to venture outside two miles (3.2 km) from the hospital in the snow.
Their journey toward the lights becomes a pivotal moment as Stella breaks the physical barrier she once maintained, holding Will's hand under the guise of wearing gloves. They laugh and glide across a frozen pond, embodying the freedom and affection that transcends their limits. Just as they revel in this fleeting joy, Stella learns that a lung transplant has become available for her. Ignoring the countless messages from the hospital, she prioritizes her time with Will.
However, tragedy strikes when Stella falls through the ice, leading Will to rescue her. The cold water sends her into cardiac arrest, and, despite the risks, Will performs CPR, bringing her back to life. They rush back to the hospital, where Stella discovers that the infection she feared did not materialize.
After her surgery, she awakens to find Will waiting for her outside her room. In a poignant farewell, he reveals that he has only a month left to live and expresses his wish for her to avoid the pain of losing him, just as she did with others. He instructs her to close her eyes, believing it will help him leave easier. With a heavy heart, she obeys, unaware of the heartbreaking decision left hanging in the air as he walks away, leaving her to grapple with love and loss once again.
