From a window, Dallas watches a silver bird soaring. When he asks Mr. Trepid if he too saw the bird, Mr. Trepid orders Dallas to leave the window, threatening to make Dallas pull weeds, as his sister, Florida, is doing.

Dallas and Florida are 13-year-old twins who live at Boxton Creek Home for Children with 11 others. The Home is managed by Mr. and Mrs. Trepid, who set numerous rules. Dallas and Florida have broken every one of them, facing punishment for their actions. The punishments range from extra chores to time in the “thinking corner.” Dallas and Florida have lived at Boxton Creek Home longer than any other children—adults who have attempted to foster them quickly return them, insisting the twins are “trouble.” Dallas and Florida decide one day that they will plan a nighttime escape via freight train.

Ruby Holler lies 20 miles away from Boxton. There, a 60-year-old man complains about his repetitive life to his wife. They contemplate moving while a small, gray bird listens.