 After the sudden death of her mother, thirteen-year old Sara is sent to live with her stern aunt, Mrs Garsett. She soon discovers a dreadful secret about her new home - that her aunt has been keeping her 14 year old daughter, Anna, locked away in the basement because she is disfigured. The girls  friendship help each other overcome their own fears, and difficulties, and both learn what it means to finally be free, physically and emotionally.