Homer and Carol Deutlich are a California couple who live a fairly quiet life, until they sign up for a program that seeks to promote international friendship by having African children stay in the US for six-month periods. Through it, they come to host Eva Mary, a quiet Kenyan girl who mostly goes along with whatever they ask of her and shares little else. The two are thrilled to have her, and are keen to show her many aspects of their lives, although they ask little about her own life. Carol remains excited to have Eva around, and gives her many gifts, despite Eva's apparent lack of enthusiasm for anything except the small radio she is given, which she uses to play music loudly. However, certain aspects of Eva's behavior, such as her loud eating habits, begin to irritate Carol, who responds by trying to "educate" Eva on proper manners. The rift between the two grows, until Carol can no longer stand not only Eva's habits, but also her lack of responsiveness. Homer and Carol discuss her frustrations, until Carol gives an ultimatum: Eva must leave. Some time later, Carol leaves for a business meeting, and Homer decides to take Eva for a walk to tell her she must leave. The two walk in silence, but Eva is strangely proactive, taking hold of Homer's hand. Once they get back to the house, Eva hugs Homer, telling him it is a shame that he and Eva have no children, without explaining why. The next day, Eva herself tells the couple she would like to leave, and soon after she does, which leaves Homer and Carol with mixed, but strong, feelings.