With their father in state prison for theft, the brothers are sent to live with relatives. The young Brian constantly wets his bed and suffers from a variety of other problems because he's insecure and unloved. Even worse, he's abused, and he struggles to find a path that leads to happiness.
Jimmy and John also have a difficult time finding a road that leads to a comfortable place, and they go through their own ordeals. When Brian finally finds some measure of happiness, it's ruined when he witnesses a murder.
Brian is beginning to think he's the victim of some sort of family curse. But he's about to discover that love can be a powerful force, even for someone going Downhill from the Projects.