In 2010, Irina Bazili, a 23-year-old Moldovan woman, interviews for a job at Lark House, an institution for elderly people in California. Lark House was founded in the mid-20th century to house and care for elderly people with limited income, and the residents are primarily white, middle-class, eclectic, and progressive. The director, Hans Voigt, interviews Irina, showing her around the multiple buildings and levels of Lark House. The first level is for independent residents, and the fourth, nicknamed “Paradise,” is for residents who expect to die soon. Irina will be responsible for assisting the residents of levels two and three with daily errands and medical and legal appointments. Voigt tells Irina that there are two ghosts at Lark House, a woman and her child. The woman is Emily, the daughter of the chocolate magnate who owned Lark House. She died of grief after her son drowned in the Lark House pool.

The head of the cleaning staff, Lupita Farias, tells Irina to watch out for depression, noting that either Lupita or Cathy can assist if a resident shows signs of mental health issues. Cathy, or Dr. Catherine Hope, is a 68-year-old resident, the youngest at Lark House, who assures Irina that elderly people are entertaining and resilient.