Twelve-year-old Sarah and her older sister, Carlie, know that their lives are different from those of their peers. When at home, unless summoned by their mother, they are supposed to stay in their attic bedroom. Common activities such as eating or using the bathroom are forbidden without her approval. Noise of any kind is frowned upon because that might disturb their mother and one never knows what will happen when she is unhappy. Everything comes to a head when Carlie is caught and beaten for trying on one of her mother's dresses. Running away from home is her solution, but Sarah becomes bold enough to tell their workaholic father the dark secret about their mother.