In this YA novel, young Hap spends the summer at his family's fish camp on the pristine Akwe River in Alaska. They desperately need the salmon for their livelihood, but dangers lurk in the majestic wilderness and toxic family relationships. Tragic circumstances force the boy to assume responsibilities beyond his years. Encouraged by his mother's love but plagued by his father's harshness, how will Hap respond when faced with an unimaginable choice?