Small-town judgment can be brutal, as Sherry Dyke, a high school student, finds out after she is date-raped, becomes pregnant as a result, and makes a difficult decision. The family moves to another state to avoid the harassment and begin to rebuild their lives. They win over their new communities, including Sherry finding love.
But when the man who raped her shows up, the harassment begins anew until Sherry is brutally raped again and beaten. Sherry survives her injuries, and she and her family seek justice through the court system but are disappointed.
Sherry's tragic story is contrasted by the beauty of the setting-the Columbia River Gorge, which separates the states of Oregon and Washington-and the manner in which she finally gets justice.