Rya, Cora, and Zuriel venture through the woods to Claudia's house, having not seen their friend for years. After discovering that Claudia is mysteriously ill, the three girls encounter a violent bicycle riding gang of boys led by The Sores. He and his messenger, The Ride, create great tension and sadness between the four friends. Eleanor, Claudia's mother, cannot cope with her daughters situation and remains detached. Suspiciously weak and secretive, Claudia feels there is no hope for change leaving the outcome of her life up to her friends, who must fight through their own sorrow and fear to convince Claudia otherwise.