In the small town of Hope, adult life is about to be thrust upon young Tommy, essentially ending his childhood and his boyhood adventures with his best friend Winnie. This uncertain future as a "man" frightens him; he wonders if he'll turn out to be just like his abusive, alcoholic father-or become an emotionally damaged deadbeat like his older brother Will. As his last childhood summer draws to a close, he struggles with the prospect of leaving his childhood paradise-and his best friend-behind, only to venture into the unknown, scary territory of adulthood, perhaps prematurely. But an evil entity hidden deep within the nearby haunted Black Woods and Blackwater Swamp beckons, and "Old Rope" (the ancient, rickety rope bridge that crosses Hope Creek Canyon near Black Woods) offers him a possible escape--and the decision he makes will mark his name down in history forever...