In a cozy suburban town in the Pacific Northwest, Kai is a Thai-American boy of mixed heritage, with his mother's Thai roots and father's American background symbolized by the flags in his room. Orphaned young, he lives with his aunt who encourages his piano talent discovered at a community center. His faithful black cat, Shadow, perches on his shoulder during practice sessions in his baby blue sweater, unbuttoned shirt peeking out. Freckles dust his cute face, framing black eyes full of wonder as brown hair tousles while he plays melodies blending Eastern and Western tunes.