In May 2004, Cassie is struggling in her messy Wisconsin home, overwhelmed by grief. This is compounded by her struggles to connect with her five-year-old daughter Birdie, who is experiencing selective mutism, which has lasted for 14 months. 

Cassie’s mother, Anna, visits with news that Cassie’s 92-year-old grandmother, Bobby, was hit by a car while wandering off on one of her usual walks. Anna explains that Bobby’s injuries are minor, but she will need someone to stay with her during her recovery. She proposes that Cassie and Birdie move to Illinois to live with Bobby. Cassie initially resists, accusing her mother of trying to manage both of their lives. After walking out to cool off, Cassie learns from Anna that Birdie overheard their conversation and is showing excitement by packing her belongings. Moved by her daughter’s happiness, Cassie agrees to the move. Anna then expresses concern over Bobby’s recent strange behavior, noting that she has been staring into space and speaking in Ukrainian about sunflowers, a flower she has always claimed made her sad.