Beth Paine, a high school junior, remembers the day her daddy left, but she doesn't recall her mother comforting her with hugs or explanations as to why daddy never came home. Ten years later, Beth still suffers from her loss, and her mom--busy with a new husband, young kids, and a job--fails to give Beth time.

Molly Dettwyler, her best friend, is more interested in boys than helping Beth heal from her pain. But Jimmy Baldwin, a track friend, listens to Beth's woes. Even though he has no advice, he promises to pray for her.

Not understanding prayer and wanting answers, Beth happens upon an abandoned suitcase in the park. A letter is attached. The author of the letter challenges Beth to take the traveling box home and examine the contents. Will the contents help Beth to push the hurts of the past aside, help her to love God and forgive her mother, or will they cause new problems?