Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), 1974 At the age of seven, Jessie continues to experience life like no child should have to. A disagreement with Jessie's dad (Bert) sees Jessie's mother (Marie) admitted into hospital and Jessie removed from the care of her parents and being placed in a children's home. Marie fights Bert in court and wins custody. Leaving her new-found friend, Rose, and the home is a bittersweet experience for Jessie. Following Marie's marriage to Chris, the three of them leave Zimbabwe and migrate to Australia. Settling into a country on the other side of the world proves difficult for all three of them. When Jessie is caught shoplifting, she tries to take her life by overdosing on tablets and becomes a damaged soul, with nowhere to turn. At high school, Jessie befriends a boy by the name of Bryce and after an initial annoyance period, their friendship develops into something more.