The first rung: the betrayal The second rung: the assault The third rung: the rumors The fourth rung: the painting The final rung: no other way out Benji Stevens is 14 years old when her world falls apart. Betrayed, bullied, and battered emotionally, physically, and spiritually, her life spirals out of control. She is certain there is nowhere to turn and nothing to live for. Yet in the midst of the darkness there appears an array of hope in the form of her crazy uncle, her single mom, and a host of other characters she never dreamed would be there to help. When she is forced to join the therapy group, Benji is finally able to confront her inner demons and embrace her own self-worth.