Solomon Reed is a teenager suffering from agoraphobia, panic attacks, and deep anxiety issues. Solomon is convinced that the world outside his parent’s house is rife with chaos and is certain that the only way to keep safe is to stay indoors. After he dives into the school fountain in the throes of a panic attack, Solomon emphatically refuses to leave his house for three years. Even so, Solomon is kind, with a sharp sense of humor and intense passions for science fiction such as Star Trek.

Solomon tries to convince his parents that he is happy in his reclusive lifestyle, but when a stranger inserts herself into his life, he discovers how lonely he’s actually been. He is surprised to find how easy and pleasurable it is to get along with Lisa, and once she gains his trust and introduces him to Clark, Solomon’s life changes. Solomon is building his courage to step into the backyard and swim in the pool his parents are building him, and Clark and Lisa help him become more comfortable with himself, motivating him to embrace more of life. When the swimming pool is ready, Solomon is also ready to take the plunge, signifying his natural desire to be in the world and his growing comfort with his place in that world.