Alvie Fitz, who is autistic, is quietly waiting to turn eighteen and be legally emancipated. She works at the zoo and lives independently in a small apartment. One day she meets Stanley, a boy with chronic physical issues, and falls for him. She sees Stanley as her chance to have a physical relationship. Soon romance blossoms, but when Stanley tells Alvie he loves her, she panics, loses her job, and becomes homeless. It is only with Stanley's help that Alvie can face her past, get her life back on track, and find happiness.