Mary Ellen is enjoying a regular summer vacation from elementary school when her parents share news that incredible for the family and life-altering for her: for a sizable dowry, she has been engaged to Mr. Middleton, a businessman who became interested in her at a party they recently hosted. Now, instead of playing with her Barbies, she practices cooking in the kitchen with her mother. She serves snacks to her fiancee and father during routine visits and helps choose the floral arrangements for her upcoming wedding. Once, she even hosts Mr. Middleton alone in her home, where he asks to see her Barbies before leaving. Before they seal the deal, however, a young wife and acquaintance of her parents plant the seed of escape in Mary Ellen's mind, and on the day of her wedding, she tries to leave. Unfortunately, her plans of fleeing are cut short when she sees Mr. Middleton in the parking lot. Mary Ellen approaches the man, who is reading her runaway note and crying in front of his car. She decides to console him and return to the altar, where they sign the contract, sealing the dowry and their marriage. Mary Ellen, eight years later, is still married to Mr. Middleton and views the relationships in her life—with her parents and her husband—as investments.