In a story that ultimately made headlines, Michelle Miller, a 17-year old high school honors student, met a 31-year old Army recruiting Sergeant. In the autumn of her senior year, Michelle responded to his sales pitch with a resounding, "I want to serve my country."

Then, one night in April, that same Sergeant sent repeated texts to Michelle. He was feeling suicidal and wanted her to come and rescue him. So, this trusting girl raced off into that dark night to save him. She never returned.

"All That Bright Light" is the story behind those headlines. It is about one happy family whose...