Elsie Porter, a 26-year-old librarian in Los Angeles, experiences a whirlwind romance with Ben Ross after a chance meeting on New Year's Day. Their connection is immediate and intense, leading them to elope within weeks. Tragically, just nine days later, Ben dies in a biking accident. Elsie is left to navigate her grief and face Ben's mother, Susan, who is unaware of Elsie's existence. The narrative alternates between Elsie and Ben's brief yet passionate relationship and Elsie's journey through mourning and reconciliation with Susan.