On the brink of her fortieth birthday, Katie Olmstead is in no mood to celebrate.  Still tending bar and struggling to finish her latest painting, the last thing she needs is to face her teenaged son, C.J., with news of his father’s death, a man they haven’t seen in fifteen years. 

With word of Craig’s passing also comes one final gift for his estranged family—a thrill for C.J., but a nightmare for any mother.  As the past begins to creep into their home, Katie and C.J.’s relationship becomes progressively troubled, opening up a perilous collision course between his increasing outbursts and her self sabotage.

While she tries to maintain peace in their New England home, Katie’s notion of motherhood is tested.  Forced to lean on an ailing great uncle for help, she also must face a bullying sister she hasn’t spoken to in three years, an on-again, off-again boyfriend she doesn’t love, and a personal demon which threatens her very existence.