Julian walks daily to his studio in the Old Chocolate Factory, noting the different work styles of neighboring artists and the quiet etiquette of the building. He took the space at the urging of his grandmother Sílbhe and her partner Cian, who gently encouraged him to build a life beyond their home. Julian’s social circle had narrowed since school, where he avoided aggressive sports out of fear of hurting others; he deleted social media except for basic business accounts, and he avoids sending work to England, which he associates with his father and an unsafe past.

He recalls Sílbhe’s steadfast health and morning runs, her devotion to family, and his blurred memories of his late mother compared to the vivid imprint of his father’s frightening presence. At the studios, Julian becomes intrigued by Orla, an artist making geometric wall works from old rulers. After Orla recognizes his jewelry and invites him out, he joins Orla and colleagues Frap and Seamus at the pub, where shared craft talk draws him into the group. Orla’s casual, tactile warmth unsettles and attracts him, prompting a late-night talk with Maia that exposes Maia’s own loneliness.

Julian starts leaving his door open and finds ordinary comfort in studio life, balancing his attention while quietly watching Orla. In early August a severe rainstorm floods the area; colleagues depart early, but Julian works on a new necklace design until he realizes the street is a river and he is stranded. In the empty refectory, Orla returns, soaked after her car stalls, and they shelter upstairs in Julian’s studio. He dries her clothes, gives her a blanket, and at her request crafts a piece for her while narrating each stage. Their proximity, the making process, and fitting the finished necklace around Orla’s neck build a charged expectation.

Overwhelmed, Julian retreats to the bathroom to collect himself, deciding that to preserve the newfound community and protect private family wounds, he must shut down the romantic moment. He returns, hands Orla her now-dry jeans, and she leaves hurt and embarrassed, while Julian sits in regret, convinced withdrawal is safer.

At dawn, back at home, Sílbhe skips her run due to waterlogged fields and shares a cozy morning with Cian, relishing rare privacy and their enduring affection. Their contentment contrasts with the uncertainty surrounding Julian.

Upstairs, Maia reflects that she is seven years younger than her mother was at her death and worries that her life at Doyle’s has been static while others move through generations. Recent walks ignited attention to the natural world and to the Star of Bethlehem flower, echoing an old bottle of Rescue Remedy from her childhood. Following that thread led her to consider homeopathy studies.

Maia opens an awaited email confirming her late acceptance into the Irish School of Homeopathy. Standing at the window as floodwater lies across the fields, Maia feels newly ready to go somewhere, committing to begin training and to open a new chapter in her life.