Margaret is an older married woman, a very successful furniture designer in her career days. She has raised three daughters - Joanna, married off to a Jewish man and living on a kibbutz in Israel, Carol, a sweet and brilliant astronomer, and Hilly. Hilly has always been the most difficult of the three, throwing tantrums and pretending to run away. As an adult she hasn't changed much - she writes her sisters rarely and she does not appreciate drop-ins from her parents. She's married to Ed, a Catholic man, with three children. Her father George likes her husband but her mother winces at all the names Ed calls Hilly.

On a Christmas visit to Hilly, Margaret and her husband George wonder why their daughter looks and acts so much more upbeat. Margaret walks in on her daughter looking like she's about to kiss a strange and handsome, whom she hastily introduces as Todd, a friend of the family's. Todd smooths the moment over by inviting the whole family to his house the following night. Later, peeking into Hilly's room, Margaret sees textbooks lying about and surmises Hilly is going back to school.

Todd's apartment turns out to be stunning in build, arrayed with fantastic furniture and complete with a jungle view. He is an adept and smooth host. He gives Margaret a tour when she divulges the fame of her own furniture, standing right before her. Whatever's going on with Hilly, Margaret concludes, it seems to be good for her. But after leaving Ed calls to let them know Hilly is pregnant with child number four. This means she'll quit school, Margaret tells George dejectedly. George is happy for them, Margaret is bitter and discontent.