The Roads Not Taken

Leo is endlessly disturbed by the ringing phone and buzzing doorbell, yet he remains in a state of ignorance about the chaos outside his bedroom. His daughter Molly eventually arrives, confronting Leo’s confusion as he struggles to understand his surroundings.

During an ill-fated visit to the dentist, Leo’s refusal to comply with simple instructions leads to a distressing incident. Molly, feeling disheartened, tries to manage both her father's situation and her disappointment at the day’s unexpected turn.

As Molly hails a taxi for Leo, his fading awareness causes him to fall out of the car, hitting his head. The concerned taxi driver immediately calls for an ambulance, rushing Leo to the emergency room to address his injuries.

Hoping for a better outing, Molly takes Leo to Costco, but things go awry when he wanders off while she is on a work call. To her shock, he returns clutching a dog he believes is his long-lost pet, leading to accusations of theft from an angry woman and a chaotic scene.

The security team intervenes as Molly explains Leo's confusion due to his dementia. Although Leo is released, the incident leaves him visibly shaken and highlights the struggles they face in public.

Molly's next attempt to help her father involves an appointment with the optometrist. Unfortunately, Leo struggles once again to follow basic directions, further testifying to Molly's patience and escalating her stress.

That evening, Molly's boss delivers disheartening news: her project has been reassigned to someone else. This crushing reality weighs heavily on her, making her realize the limitations of her current situation and her father's condition.

In a moment of desperation after hearing the shocking news, Leo sneaks out of their apartment. His unplanned adventure through the streets prompts Molly to panic as she embarks on a frantic search for her father.

Leo's wandering comes to a halt when he is fortunately found and rescued by two compassionate taxi drivers. Their kindness provides a moment of solace in the midst of the chaos that has engulfed both father and daughter.

At home, Dolores urges Leo to wake up and embrace the day. However, Leo's confusion leads to a clumsy encounter with her, igniting his distress and prompting him to flee the car, feeling utterly disoriented.

After exiting the vehicle, Leo finds himself wandering along a desolate road, eventually hitching a ride on a maize truck. This act of escape symbolizes his struggle to navigate the turmoil in his mind.

As night falls, Leo unexpectedly finds himself at a lively Day of the Dead celebration in a cemetery, serving as a backdrop to his emotional turmoil. With Dolores by his side, he confronts the pain of losing their son, Néstor, in a poignant moment of shared grief.

The following day, Leo seeks solace at Mikael's tavern by the sea, where he meets Anni, a captivating tourist who resembles Molly. Their engaging conversation reveals Leo's unfinished novel, reflecting his inner conflicts between home and the allure of escape.

That evening, Anni and her friends embark on a festive party cruise, and Leo, filled with envy, attempts to follow them in his rowboat. His relentless pursuit ultimately leaves him isolated, adrift in the dark sea.

The following morning, fishermen stumble upon Leo's unresponsive body in his boat, searching for clues about his identity and the events that led to his tragic state. This discovery adds another layer to the narrative of loss and connection.