The seemingly parallel stories of father and daughter Luis and Elisa, and Luis' semi-autobiographical writings are told. Isabel, Elisa's sister, is able to convince Elisa to accompany her and her family to Luis' birthday at his home in the countryside outside of Madrid as this birthday may be Luis' last due to his ill health. Elisa has not seen Luis in over ten years, not so much in an estrangement, but in she not feeling a need or want to keep in touch beyond the odd letter or postcard, Elisa's feeling in the matter arguably more due to her mother. Elisa is using this event more as an escape from Antonio, her husband of seven years, and what is only the latest of many crises in their marriage. By the time they reach Luis', Elisa has made the decision that she will never return home to Antonio despite Antonio, while arguably understanding the problems in their marriage, wanting her back in his profession of love. While the original plan was for Elisa to stay with Isabel and her family after the party, Elisa instead decides to stay with her father upon his invitation. In reconnecting as father and daughter, Elisa turns to him as her confidante concerning the issues in her life.
—Huggo