In the midst of pain, mercy is sweet relief. Kirsten Peterson was 16 the first time her life fell apart. The only release she could find was through the tiny lines she carved in her skin. Outwardly she seemed fine, but the scars remained. Hidden from everyone who loved her. Then it happens again. On the night she s certain her boyfriend will propose… but instead he kisses her best friend. Devastated, Kirsten falls back on the only source of relief she can imagine. When she lands in the ER, the secret she has so carefully hidden with her wit and bright smiles is laid bare.

Desperate to keep the news from her father and with few resources, Kirsten agrees to a treatment programme on a sheep ranch where she ll work to pay the costs of her stay.