Skellig

The Michael family moves into a new house, anxious about their baby sister's delicate heart condition. While exploring the garage, Michael discovers an emaciated man hidden among boxes, debris, and dead insects. He decides to feed him and look after him despite the man's cranky, demanding demeanor.

Michael hears a story that human shoulder blades are vestiges of angel wings, a myth that haunts his fascination with the stranger. The idea hints at something otherworldly about Skellig. This rumor deepens Michael's resolve to understand the man without turning away.

Michael stops attending school to spend more time with Skellig and to learn more about the mysterious man. His old friends Leakey and Coot grow skeptical and begin to wonder what he is hiding. The distance from his peers marks a turning point in his daily life.

Michael meets Mina, a girl across the road who is homeschooled and loves nature, birds, drawing, and the poems of William Blake. She invites Michael to join her in observing birds and drawing, bridging his world with hers. The two become friends and begin to explore together.

Michael brings Mina to meet Skellig, hoping she will accept him. They notice inhuman attributes and a presence that suggests he is not fully human. The trio agrees to keep their discovery secret from Leakey and Coot while they navigate the mystery.

Leakey and Coot grow more skeptical and begin to search for what Michael is hiding. To protect Skellig, Michael, Mina, and Skellig relocate to a safer space away from prying eyes. The mystery tightens as their secret becomes harder to guard.

Michael becomes intrigued by medical conditions like arthritis as his baby sister's heart condition worsens and she is taken to the hospital. He visits her frequently, seeking clues about life, vulnerability, and healing. The hospital visits become a constant backdrop to the family's upheaval.

Over time, the winged stranger begins to soften and opens up to Mina and Michael. He confirms his name as Skellig and gradually shares more about his mysterious nature. The bond with the two children deepens as trust grows.

The baby's heart condition worsens, necessitating heart surgery. Their mother travels to the hospital to stay with the baby as fear and hope intertwine. The family braces for a dangerous procedure that could change everything.

That night, the mother dreams of Skellig entering the hospital room, lifting the baby high and saving her. The dream becomes a beacon of hope and a symbol of Skellig's protective role. It foreshadows a turning point for the family.

The creature finally leaves the garage after saying goodbye to Michael and Mina, explaining that he is 'something' combining aspects of human, owl, and angel. His departure marks the end of the immediate mystery and a new normal for the family. Michael and Mina are left with questions, but also gratitude for the help and comfort he provided.

With the baby sister saved, the family names her Joy, embracing the joy her continued life brings. They had briefly considered Persephone, but choose Joy to symbolize renewal and happiness. The new life cements a hopeful ending for the household.