In a not-so-distant future, couples can share pregnancy on a more equal footing via detachable artificial wombs. While botanist Alvy has doubts about this new way of birthing babies, his love for Rachel prompts him to take a leap of faith.
On the day Maria commands her six-year-old son never to scream, John begins to perceive his mother's suppressed pain, as well as her intolerance for weakness. Ten years later, John's shameful secret will cause Maria to break her own rule.