Theo Wickland lives a life of isolation - he has only ever known three people: his butler, the maid and his guardian. He has always been told this is for his own good because he is dangerous to other people. Indeed, he wears gloves at all times and has daily, intensely painful treatment in the 'Mercy Tube'. But one birthday, during his annual trip to the graveyard, Theo finds a small package addressed to him...