City-bred Claire McKay, 16, has been brought to the place of her ancestors, Ironbound Island, after the sudden death of her boyfriend. After months of trying, her mother, Fiona, can no longer cope with the scarred young woman. Fiona hopes that time away might help Claire to heal and forget. Claire meets Celia, a mysterious ex-teacher who has lived on the island forever. The old woman senses the girl's wounded spirit and dares her to listen to a story she has written. A fairytale.