Rowan's mother is struggling to find a job and insists Rowan stay home alone while she goes out, forbidding him from watching TV or leaving the house. Rowan wants to keep a plan with his friend Oz to play chess at the park, but his mother refuses, insisting he stay indoors and study instead. Despite her skepticism about his friendships, Rowan manages to promise she will accompany him later. When Rowan tells Oz he can’t meet today, Oz offers to visit Rowan’s home next week, leaving Rowan caught between his mother’s strict rules and his desire for normal childhood interactions.