Returning home from his isolating first day back at school, deaf boy Nestor Gudfred discovers his house is actually a defunct bed and breakfast for strange transients along Route 66. In his own bedroom, Nestor 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 Nestor's new obsession.