During a moment of turbulence on a plane ride to San Francisco, Lila, a psychiatrist, thinks back to her old lover, Julian, who has since returned to an alcoholic ex named Karen. The passengers receive news that they are being diverted to Toronto because there was a major earthquake in Northern California, with many dead. Meanwhile Julian, who lives in Northern California, speaks to Karen about the situation. Both are unhurt but power is likely to be out for a while. Lila lands in Toronto and is taken to a local hotel; she watches as a man in the group of passengers tries to take charge of the situation. Julian and Karen reflect on events of years past—in particular, a birthday party for Lila attended by Karen's ex-husband. Karen is struggling with her sobriety and begins to cry because of how much she loves Julian and the intense emotions of the day. Lila calls and Julian explains that they are well; he claims that Karen is about to leave his home and was all packed up before the earthquake hit. The next morning, Lila and the group are cleared to fly back to San Francisco. Lila is thrilled because she believes that Karen will move out and she will be able to date Julian again. The politeness of their conversation on the phone merely masked a lingering care that the two feel for each other. It is clear that Julian does not want to be with Karen but has a strong emotional foundation that he has built with Lila. The plane is delayed because a dog gets onto the runway, but takeoff eventually occurs.