All 14 year-old Robbie Hendrick ever wanted was a family. Yet, as another Mississippi summer begins, his wayward mother has run off again fearing a breakdown, and he's left to burn the days away caring for his half brother, Fess. As the deep days and nights pass without her return, and with older brother Lucas dangerously in their lives again and with social services looming over them, Robbie may even lose Fess, Robbie must face the fact that his dreams may never come true.