Perceived as a misanthrope by most of his co-workers, Emmett Welsh, a 69-year-old widower, develops a friendship with the one co-worker he does tolerate; Audrey, a twenty-two-year-old aspiring artist. After a string of misfortunes, including a break-up with her longtime boyfriend, Emmett offers a pregnant Audrey a place to stay. Despite her initial apprehensions, Audrey eventually accepts the kind offer.
As their friendship develops, the kindred spirits discover a great deal about one another. Among the treasure trove of information passed on by Emmett, Audrey comes to discover Emmett was a novelist back in the day, with noteworthy accolades. Tragically, his literary career was cut short following the sudden death of his wife and son.