Famous poet Emily Dickinson wakes up in her house but notices something is off. Her entire family, who usually stays in the place, has disappeared. Fearing something wrong, she leaves her home and talks to the neighbors. However, outside, the streets are empty, and she meets a man riding a carriage. The man reveals himself to be Death, but he prefers to be called Quill. Dickinson doesn't want to remain dead, and Quill offers her a deal. He explains that a witch has cast a spell on her son so he won't die. He believes that only a famous poet will have the ability to create a counter spell since spells are similar to poems. Dickinson agrees to the deal, and Quill transports her to the witch's household. Dickinson pretends to be a nanny, and the witch hires her on the spot.

As she takes care of the boy, Dickinson notices that the boy's quality of life is terrible as his skin constantly decays. Quill tells Dickinson that the witch casts a spell on her son overnight and that she must find out what she says. As the witch tucks her son to bed, Dickinson presses her ear against the door and overhears the spell. The witch finds out that Dickinson overheard, and Dickinson flees the household to Death's chariot, parked outside the house in the woods. Dickinson manages to escape without capture, and after analyzing the witch's spell, she creates a counter-spell. With the task completed, Dickinson is returned to the land of the living.