The story is focused on a dysfunctional family in the world where humans co-exist with androids. Most androids undertake menial jobs and are regarded as little more than appliances. They are largely helpers, but sometimes companions and even lovers. They are not allowed to harm humans. The protagonist, Georgi Safronov, once a prominent surgeon, struggles desperately to win back his family and his job, and to bring things back to how they were at better times. He has little success as his ex-wife and two children are going to leave Russia for Australia to start a new life. The situation changes when Arisa, a unique android of unknown origin, appears at Safronov’s house and becomes a part of his life. Arisa keeps a huge secret that will uncover quite a bunch of further secrets...