Our narrator, Chanda, is a young girl born into an unfortunate life. When young, she showed incredible promise and had the support structure she needed for success, but the death of her father and her brothers left her alone with her mother, Lillian, and she was forced to practically carry what remains of the family. 

Throughout her journey of unwanted motherhood, she sees her mother fight depression and, eventually, deadly illness. Her history of abuse perpetrated by one of her mother’s suitors led her to dedicate her time completely to supporting their family, rather than worrying about relationships. Her whole life crumbles and the hopes she had are dashed, but she tries her best to stand tall despite it all