Eileen hates being poor, so she pretends shes not and dreams of an escape-having a guitar. Her mother struggles to support the family, and theyre forbidden to mention their brother Neals 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 cant come true. But for Eileen, trusting someone is a dangerous thing.