A young Chinese-Canadian boy, unable to speak, recounts the story of his friendship with an Italian-born widower, Joe, who spends his days hanging out at the local mall and annoying people with his constant gossip. After he breaks his leg, Joe disappears, the neighbourhood starts to miss him, and the old man’s house is put up for sale. When Joe finally reappears, ranting about not wanting to sell his house, the boy’s speech suddenly appears from the shock.