Sixteen-year-old Carol's life is more like a never-ending nightmare. First, the dream house that her parents poured all their money and energy into is brought down by the government. Next, her father dies and her mother suffers a nervous breakdown, leaving Carol as the de-facto head of the family. With nowhere to live and no money to survive on, Carol moves her mother, brother, and sister to the remote village where her father grew up. In her difficulties, Carol forges an unlikely friendship with Big Susy, a simple villager whose warmth helps her get through this trying period. She also, for the very first time, falls in love. Through it all, Carol remains hopeful that one day, things will change for the better.