Thirty years after leaving his home town, Joe Bennett returns to help his ailing mother sell her house. After nursing anger and bitterness for 30 years, Joe is forced into a new role with his partially-paralyzed mother. Uncomfortable in his parents' house he seeks out the restful atmosphere of his friend's cottage. Just when he thinks he can finish his chores and leave behind the destructive memories, his 14-year-old son is handed to him for the summer. He hadn't counted on this complication or on the distractions of sweet Mel Compton and her belligerent ex-husband.