In Los Angeles, a talented young writer named Carter Webb faces an emotional crossroads when his high-profile girlfriend Sofia abruptly ends their relationship. Seeking a fresh start, he decides to travel to Michigan to care for his allegedly ailing grandmother, Phyllis. However, upon his arrival, he discovers that Phyllis no longer recognizes him, presenting a unique challenge as he strives to support her while also coming to terms with his own heartache.
As he tends to the aging household and navigates the complexities of his new environment, Carter's emotional wounds gradually begin to heal. His mother and boss back in Los Angeles keep in touch through phone calls, providing necessary support and guidance even from afar.
Across the street lives a seemingly perfect family grappling with a grave secret. Lucy, a bright teenager, has just learned that her mother, Sarah, has discovered a lump in her breast. Each family member faces their turmoil, with Lucy retreating into herself, seeking comfort from her loyal dog, Bozo.
Carter's initial encounters with Sarah and Lucy are filled with awkwardness, yet his warm personality breaks through the barriers as connections begin to form. A brief meeting with Lucy by the trash cans sparks meaningful conversations, revealing their shared insecurities and personal struggles. As time progresses, thoughts of Sofia linger in Carter's mind, complicating his attempts to find inspiration in his writing. A morning walk with Sarah deepens their relationship, leading to heartfelt discussions about love and loss.
In the midst of navigating these emotional terrains, Carter faces a turning point during a solo run when he collides with a tree, prompting him to reflect on his life choices and embrace the present. His budding friendship with Lucy intensifies, forging a deeper connection that hints at something unexpected blossoming between them.
As days turn into weeks, Sarah begins to rely on Carter, sharing the hardships of her painful marriage and her husband's infidelity, which have left her feeling drained. This shared vulnerability ignites a journey of rediscovery, allowing their relationship to evolve into something beautiful and profound.
Throughout his personal journey, Carter faces new social dynamics, which include awkward gatherings with Lucy and her friend Paige. A casual movie night reveals to him that Sofia has moved on, dating Colin Farrell, leaving him with mixed feelings. The trio's adventures continue, leading them to a football field where Lucy expresses her frustrations over a crush on Gabe, the arrogant quarterback, while admitting her fears regarding her father's infidelity.
Carter becomes increasingly enmeshed in their tangled webs of drama and secrets. Lucy persuades him to accompany her to a party where tensions rise between Gabe and his loyal friend Eric. Amid the chaos, Carter and Lucy share a subtle yet touching moment, igniting hope and chemistry between them.
However, as Sarah's health fails, the family must confront the reality of her cancer diagnosis. With a renewed perspective on life, both Sarah and Lucy begin to mend their strained relationship, slowly healing from the misunderstandings that have marred their bond.
As Carter continues on his path of self-discovery, he finds peace in his writing, channeling his emotions into a script inspired by his grandmother. A poignant visit to the diner where Sofia ended things acts as a turning point, guiding him to make peace with his past and embrace new beginnings. With Sofia fading from his heart, Carter learns to open up to new experiences and connections, paving the way for a brighter future.
