Robert is developing a revolutionary synthetic skin—transparent, unbreakable, and immune to burns or infection. He calls it "Gal." Vera is his living, breathing prototype. He has surgically covered her entire body with this new skin. To him, she is a masterpiece. To her, he is a monster. Six years earlier, Robert was a respected surgeon with a beautiful wife, Gal, and a young daughter, Norma. At a wedding, Gal was horribly burned in a car accident. Robert saved her life but could not restore her face. When Gal saw her disfigured reflection, she threw herself out a window.

Robert visits Vera daily. He brings her food, books, and new clothes. He speaks to her with cold tenderness. At night, cameras watch her every move. Vera once tried to escape, but she was caught. Now she seems resigned, yet her eyes burn with quiet fury.

Marilia, the housekeeper, knows the truth. She is also Robert’s secret mother—she gave him up as a baby, then came to work for him years later. She warns Robert that his obsession will destroy him, but he won’t listen. One night, Robert leaves for a medical conference. Vera seduces Marilia’s son—a brutish half-brother to Robert—who has broken into the mansion. In a struggle, Vera kills him. She steals Robert’s gun, clothes, and car keys.

She embraces him, weeping. He cannot speak. He can only hold her.