Examines the history of orphanages in the United States, looking at what life was like for children living in orphanages, discussing influences on how orphans were treated, and considering why orphanages have all but disappeared.

Orphan Tohru Honda is taken in by the mysterious Sohma, who introduce her to a world of magical curses and family secrets.

Presents an account of four Sudanese refugees, resettled in Atlanta, Georgia, and describes their plight as they leave their war ravaged homeland and attempt to make a new life in America.

When her human guardian goes on a business trip, Ricki, an orphaned chimpanzee infant, adopts Henri, a shaggy dog, as her "mother."

Akito causes a commotion by dropping by the summerhouse where Tohru and the Sohmas are staying, and Tohru begins to wonder what life is like for the loved ones of a cursed member of this family.

Tohru, keeper of the house and the secrets of the Sohma family, tries to cart Isuzu off to the hospital after finding her passed out, while Yuki gets accidently locked in the closet of the ASB student council room.

Delving into the recesses of Kyo's past, we find the Sohma trio returning home on a rainy day. There, a mysterious man who has known Kyo for a long time meets them and the bonds of family and friendship are tested as Kyo deals with monsters he's been avoiding.

Akito makes an appearance at the start of the school year worrying the Sohma family that Akito's motives are less than honorable.

Tohru and company spend Golden Week at the Sohmas' vacation home, courtesy of Shigure. On the final day, Hatsuharu makes a surprise visit, but what other surprises has he brought along with him?