Eileen hates being poor, so she pretends she's not and dreams of an escape-having a guitar. Her mother struggles to support the family, and they're forbidden to mention their brother Neal's stuttering. Liz, a college student, offers a guitar and help for Neal. Eileen earns the money for both, but unless she can tell the truth about who she is, her dreams can't come true. But for Eileen, trusting someone is a dangerous thing.