Suddenly distraught over the death of her first love, Susan can't get Rick out of her thoughts. It doesn't help that his presence is felt strongly by both she and her new husband.

In an intensely personal coming of age exploration, Susan discovers and relives, through flashbacks, her tormented relationship with Rick from beginning to end.

Upon investigating his murder, Susan learns more about herself than she'd realized possible, and thus is finally able to let go of some of the pain that has haunted her for over twenty years.

Through this confrontation, the past ceases to be a ball-and-chain; the future--still full of uncertainty--is no longer to be feared.