Iris possesses a brilliant mind. Her father encourages her talents while her mother attempts to stifle them. Her mother holds archaic beliefs about a woman's place and ridicules anyone who disagrees. Unfortunately her father is killed while Iris is still young. Already socially awkward, Iris becomes further isolated as she tries to win her mother's unattainable affection. She hears voices and has disturbing visions. After high school Iris lives with her mother until she marries an equally socially awkward man. She hopes for acceptance by becoming a devoted wife and mother. When Iris is unable to conceive, adoption is suggested. Iris first resists the idea, but then embraces it. When Iris goes to share the news with her mother she finds her dead and is filled with anguish. Iris becomes overwhelmed by visions of her dead mother and hatches a bizarre plan to please her by creating "perfect, happy families."