Charlene Riley is a typical hard working single mom, who's striving for a better life for her and her young son Robert. But it seems like every time she takes one step forward, she falls two steps behind. She's constantly navigating in and out of difficult situations, problems, and relationships, and she drags Robert along with her for the ride. Even though she tries her best to keep him protected, the ill effects of her behavior start to rub off on him, and soon trouble comes knocking at their door. A jealous boyfriend, a rape, and a murder, pushes them both over the edge. It's dysfunction to the highest level; drawn out in this riveting fast paced story of love, desperation, and violence.