Thao, an elderly chef at a restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, receives an unexpected letter with a plane ticket from his family in Laos, revealing that they have saved up enough money for him to retire and return home. His heart is heavy as he must leave the family he has made for himself in America, the kitchen crew at the restaurant and his beloved mentee, Elsie. Through a sincere note, Thao says goodbye to Elsie and encourages her to carry on his legacy or in other words continue to care for his garden.