The story opens with Jacob, at 6 years old, sitting on his bed contemplating the daffodil in his hand. Dress clothes are scattered about his room. His mother calls to him to go outside because the weather is beautiful. Immediately we meet Celia, the young girl who lives next door, who asks an awkward question, “Where is your father?” Jacob has no answer or chooses not to answer. But he proceeds to ask the very same question of some people from his neighborhood. The “answers” he receives reveal deep love and kindness. The characters respond not by simplifying Jacob’s plight but by showing him that they care for him. The final character is a ladybeetle that goes about its business with beauty and profound acceptance. Jacob returns home to the security that still remains with his mother and his cat, Benjamin. In the end, Jacob finds a measure of peace in resting in his own bed.