When is doing the right thing the wrong thing to do? In a perfect world the answer would be never, but the world is seldom perfect-a hard lesson with tragic consequences for five-year-old molly and her family in a sleepy rural town. It's 1955, a time of seeming innocence and simplicity, but behind closed doors, terrible cruelties are taking place-its victim helpless to protect herself. Seeking comfort and at least some measure of independence at a neighboring farmhouse, Nell takes on the role of farmhand, in spite of her youth and gender, and impresses everyone with her strength and reliability. At least at first. For Molly, who sees Nell as a best friend, big sister, and even a surrogate mother of sorts, it's inconceivable that someone so sweet could bring so much bitterness and desolation into her life. She has no idea what's coming. As her tragic home life begins to impact her work, and draw attention to her vulnerability, everything begins to unravel. Unfortunately, under the seemingly idyllic surface, things in the farmhouse are also far from perfect, with mental illness, resentment, and disillusionment threatening to tear the young family apart at it's core.