John Claiborne's life is being torn apart. He is frustrated with his job, his marriage is on the rocks and his son disrespects him. As a child growing up in a small town in Mississippi in the 60s, John John grew up with an abusive father, a naive mother. His only friend was Zeola, a 32-year old mentally-challenged woman whose only goal was to be liked. Together they established a wonderful friendship. They dreamed of building an airplane that would let them escape from their small town troubles. But as they begin to build, John John, befriended by a boy his own age, turns on Zeola, destroying their friendship. Then one fateful day, John John finds his escape through his mother and they leave tragedy in their wake. Now as an adult, a mysterious message brings John back home to relive that tragic day and to finally come to terms with the decisions of the past.