Milly (Lucy Deakins), her mother, Charlene (Bonnie Bedelia), and her brother, Louis (Fred Savage), move into a new home, still feeling bereft over the loss of the father of the family. Milly sees a mysterious boy (Jay Underwood) on the roof next door. She learns that Eric is autistic, has never spoken, and ever since his parents were killed when he was five, he's believed that he's an airplane. Adjustment to the new environment is difficult. Charlene is overwhelmed by the computers at her new job. Louis is terrorized by bullies and dog Max by a Doberman. At school, Milly befriends Eric and a teacher asks her to work with him, telling her that he doesn't need a doctor as much as he needs a friend. After a near fall from a bridge, Milly tells her psychiatrist that Eric really can fly, and a series of events lead to the pair being chased up to the roof of the high school. Eric and Milly float off together, as the astonished community watches. Eric speaks at last, telling Milly he loves her, and flying away forever. She realizes why he had to leave when the scientists and journalists arrive the next day.