On March 10, 2014 in New York City, a young woman named Addie LaRue wakes up next to a songwriter named Toby. Though they have spent many nights together, he never remembers her in the morning. This is because Addie has a curse that grants her eternal life but makes it impossible for anyone to remember her the moment she leaves their presence.

Embarrassed, Toby assumes—as he always does—that he got too drunk to remember going home with Addie. Meanwhile, Addie plays a song on the piano that Toby does not remember but that they’ve been working on writing over the past few dates. Without the ability to bring pen to paper herself, this is how she leaves her mark over the years: by inspiring artists and musicians.

At a Manhattan boutique, Addie tries on new clothes. Because the store clerk forgets her the moment she walks into the dressing room, Addie steals a new outfit with ease.

In 1698, at the age of seven, Addie—known then as “Adeline”—travels with her father from their home in Villon-sur-Sarthe, France, to the city of Le Mans. There, her father will sell his woodworking wares. Addie’s favorite item made by her father is a wooden ring she wears around her neck.