Dom is an iceboat worker who has recently returned to the island of Qaanaaq to spend time with his son, Thede. The island was an artificial island build in response to the loss of major world territories, including New York City, Dom's birthplace, due to flooding induced by the climate crisis. Despite having immigrated to Qaanaaq twenty years ago, Dom's constant work prevents him from settling, leaving him feeling as though he lacks a home. Dom struggles to reconnect with Thede during his return. Thede resents Dom for being absent so long and lacking a command of the Swedish language; Dom tries but repeatedly fails to find a way into Thede's confidence. Thede's mother and Dom's ex-wife, Lejla, tells Dom that Thede is being bullied at school and is in love. Thede refuses to speak about his love life with his father, and although Dom would love to hurt the boys that have been preying on his son, he knows that that would only push Thede further away. Their relationship is further complicated by Thede's impeding departure to a design institute in Shanghai and Dom's next iceboat job. Regardless, Dom tries to get closer to Thede. He brings him to get hot dogs, takes him to a fighting match, and rides an elevator to the top of the city with him. He even gifts Thede his favorite New York City souvenir shirt, his only remaining memento from his previous life. Thede accepts the shirt, understanding how much it means to his father. Their relationship seems to be improving. One day, Thede and Dom meet up and Dom notices that Thede is not wearing the t-shirt. Thede confesses that the t-shirt was taken by bullies. Dom comforts his son, touched that Thede understands how much the shirt meant to him, even if he has lost it. Dom takes another job and plans to depart soon. On a night during which Thede is busy studying for a test, Dom spots a young Asian man wearing the stolen t-shirt. Dom rejoices that he has found the bully that took Thede's shirt and mugs the man, regaining the t-shirt. He calls Thede, asking him to meet him the day before his departure on the boat. That following day, Thede shows up to meet his father in a furious mood. Dom gifts Thede the t-shirt, telling him to open the present when he returns home, hoping to leave Thede something of himself when he goes. Thede confesses that his friend was mugged the following day and left for dead; his clothes and wallet were taken. Dom realizes that he had taken the t-shirt from Thede's friend and lover, Han. He recognizes that Thede refused to tell him because he knew that Dom would react in a backwards and derogatory way. Although ashamed, he does not ask Thede for the present back; he realizes it is better for his son to see his father as he truly is.