Syb, the daughter of accomplished author Harry, assists him as he finishes his latest novel. As summer goes on Syb begins to pursue an attraction to her neighbor Margot and her brother Jonathan returns home with his new girlfriend.

Set in a crumbling estate Harry, an accomplished but declining author slaves away on his latest novel. In this task he is assisted by his sharp-tongued, precocious daughter, Syb, who throws barbs his way like little kisses. Syb's easy routine is interrupted by an attraction to Margot, the young neighbor, who burns in the periphery with desire and dreams. The arrival of Jonathan, Syb's brother, throws the house into chaos. Despite years of silence and resentment, both siblings are desperate to reconnect as a family before it is too late.