During the mid-nineteen forties in the historic town of St. Augustine, Florida, two young girls face the unspeakable tragedy of their mother's suicide. In the ensuing two years, their father's alcoholism prevents him from providing the stable environment his daughters need. Eleven-year-old Barbara, mature and sensible for her age, is forced to assume unrealistic responsibilities while coping with the problems that accompany adolescence. Joy is eight with a rebellious nature made worse by unresolved grief, hidden anger, and feelings of abandonment. The story unfolds to reveal how very differently Barbara and Joy react to the blows dealt them in their young lives. Through it all, these two sisters struggle, each in her own way, with resilience and perseverance and eventually arrive at a safe place that will, over time, provide them with the guidance and security they need.