When twelve-year-old Ben's parents don't come home from work one day, he doesn't know what to think-they've shown lack of responsibility before, but nothing like this. His six-year-old sister Lucy is more scared than he is and clings to him for support. Unwittingly fearful of the police and Child Protective Services, the children don't want to end up in foster homes and will do anything to avoid being separated. Their journey-fraught with obstacles and people who may not have their best interests at heart-plays a significant role in building Ben's character and eventually determining his fate.