Hugh “Mr. J” Murphy clocks into his mundane high school janitorial job. After mopping up students’ messes, he spots Chemistry teacher, Mr. McCurdy reprimanding Ella Porter, a student in detention. Mr. J converses with Ella while tidying up the classroom. They reveal to each other a secret they have been hiding from others. Mr. J having cancer, and Ella not wanting to return home after school. After Mr. McCurdy interrupts, Mr. J follows Ella to the school football field. They resume chatting over a cigarette in which Ella confirms her father abuses her. She takes off for the night and Mr. J reflects on her life and his. He resumes his duties by cleaning the girls’ bathroom, finding a solution to Ella's issue. After the weekend passes, Mr. McCurdy informs Mr. J that Ella did not attend school today. Later that evening, Mr. J leaves a resignation letter on his desk with a Help Center phone number taped to it.