Returning home from his isolating first day back to school, we learn that deaf boy Nestor Gudfred's "house" is actually a defunct B&B turned brothel for strange transients along Route 66. In his own bedroom, Nestor Gudfred comes face to face with Peter'n'Charlie, a wisecracking upside-down cat-headed visitor, with whom only Nestor can communicate. Among other things, they discuss Esme, the girl who saved Nestor's life and becomes the focus of his new obsession.