In a future where technology has advanced to the point where humans can undergo "optimization" to rid themselves of emotions and increase their mental functions, one man decides to cling to his humanity in an effort to atone for his sins and appreciate the beauty of being human.

As per tradition in her country, a young girl of a mysterious Order is chosen to bear the launch codes of sere missiles embedded in her heart. To activate the missiles, the president of her country must personally cut open her chest to extract the code capsule.

As a young gay Pakistani man goes through the interview process to become an Air Force officer, he reflects on how he got there and why he might want to be chosen after all. A crush on a fellow interviewee both complicates things and makes them simpler, in turns.

As she walks alongside the Hudson River with her friend, a woman excitedly explains her intricate vision of what would give her happiness.

A woman, living with her husband, is overcome with a strange, inexplicable ailment to her body.

A maid, silently and in thought alone, contemplates her own position in a house full of opulent, decadent lives.

A woman embarks on a treacherous, snowy journey to help her friend.

Years after facing abuse from the hermit overseeing a nature preserve, two children—now adults—enact their revenge.

The ex-wife of a famous male writer considers a story he wrote about a neighbor they once had.