David's life is thrown into turmoil by his parents' divorce, leading him to a brutal foster home where he suffers confinement and abuse. His attempts to seek help result in his committal to a mental hospital for three years. During this time, his father, William, reappears with Karen, a woman who manipulates David into wanting her in his life as a condition for his release. David is eventually released to live with William and Karen, who has two children, Susan and John. The family's move to the south exacerbates David's distress. Karen's abusive behavior escalates, including locking David in his room and institutionalizing him whenever William is away for work. David's grandparents' visit becomes a turning point when he confides in them about his suffering, hinting at the potential for his rescue from ongoing abuse.