Jackson Reevers is a terribly unlucky boy. Fatherless, he lives for years with his alcoholic mother and abusive stepfather, trying to protect himself and his little brother, Sam. One clear April evening, Jackson kills his stepfather in an attempt to save his little brother from yet another attack. He spends four years in reformatory and then returns to his small town, where everyone knows and everyone knows what he did. On the first day of school he reunites with his lifelong best friend, Michael Jones. The two together will undertake a journey to reintegrate the boy into society, amidst difficulties, prejudices, hidden obstacles and profound truths.