Eighteen-year-old DANHEE CHOI is a Korean immigrant who, with her kid sister MISEON, has come to the U.S. for a better life. They’ve come to live with their dad’s sister in a California military town, but unable to stand her aunt, Danhee lives on her own, occasionally visiting Miseon in secret. The day after Miseon’s eighth birthday, Danhee makes one of these visits, hoping to reconnect with Miseon over a day of birdwatching.

Danhee arrives in the early morning to begin their day trip to the wetlands. Throughout their excursion, Danhee struggles to make conversation with a reticent Miseon. Miseon reveals that the sound of jets—ever present in their military town—keeps her up at night. She also lets on that she does not have many friends in school. Miseon misses Korea and their father, who is still stationed there for his military career. While stopped at a gas station, Danhee discovers Miseon’s backpack packed to the brim with survival tools. Miseon confesses her intention of running away too, and begs Danhee to let Miseon live with her. Danhee rejects her roughly and leaves to pay for gas. When she comes back, Miseon is gone.

Danhee searches the neighborhood for Miseon to no avail. Danhee resigns herself to waiting on the curb, where she witnesses a violent fight among some neighborhood boys. Eventually, Miseon comes trudging back. Danhee chastises her and breaks down. Miseon begins watching some birds in the sky. In the distance, a jet approaches. The two sisters witness the jet collide with the birds.