This novel begins on a winter night in 1964 when a blizzard forces, Dr. David Henry to deliver his own twins, his son born first is perfectly healthy, but the doctor immediately recognizes that his daughter has down syndrome. For motives he tells himself are good, he makes a split second decision that will haunt all their lives forever. He asks his nurse, Caroline to take the baby away to an institution. Once she arrives she sees the horrible conditions and treatment these child face once abandoned. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child on her own. This story is a powerfully crafted story of regret, family secrets, and forgiveness.