Content Warning: Beverly, Right Here features violent bullying, child abuse, and a moment of nonconsensual touching.

In August 1979, 14-year-old Beverly buries her dog, Buddy. Afterward, her 19-year-old cousin, Joe Travis Joy, who was visiting her mom, drives her to Tamaray Beach in his red Camaro. He plays ZZ Top and offers her a cigarette. He wonders why his cousin wants to go to Tamaray, but Beverly is evasive. She compares him to the green-haired troll doll hanging from his rearview mirror. Joe compares Beverly to her mom: They think they’re “better” than everyone. When they reach Tamaray Beach, Beverly tells Joe to drop her “anywhere.”

Beverly has run away from home before, but this time, she’s not running away—she’s leaving. In flip-flops, she walks by the side of Florida’s major A1A highway. She sees Seahorse Court, a community for people who live in RVs (recreation vehicles or trailers), and she goes into Mr. C’s, a fish restaurant. Beverly loathes fish, but she needs a job. She speaks to Freddie, the blond waitress, who talks to the weary Mr. Denby. He tells Beverly they need someone to bus tables.