Cecilia Brochan grapples with the loss of her sister, Agnes, who is on the streets and estranged from the family. Mystery clouds the demise of the family as no one seems to understand why Agnes became violent, insubordinate, and addicted to drugs. Cecilia's confusion over the breakdown of her family culminates in failed pitches at her work at a marketing firm. The events have her questioning her devout faith. After a particularly embarrassing gaffe at work, her boss suggests counseling. Cecilia is reticent as she is guarded in her initial interactions with Dr. Conrad, her therapist. She makes little headway, and he eventually suggests a last-ditch controversial therapy in which Cecilia writes short stories and poetry on any topic. He dissects the writings and attempts to psychoanalyze her issues based on them, believing that the stories give insight into her life's problems and can provide potential solutions. Through this process, Cecilia is able to explore her own issues as they parallel those of her sister and are integrated into her prose. She is eventually able to expose and process the secrets that have surrounded her family for years.