Simon Henderson, a 15 year old at a prestigious boy's boarding school, must come to terms with the events that have torn his family apart. During Christmas break, his mother is hospitalized and his father must reveal the truth about her breakdown. Deeply shaken, Simon returns to school and struggles to find solace in everyday life. He becomes friends with a new boy, the charismatic Max. Late one night, Simon sneaks off grounds to party with Max and his worldly girlfriend. Simon, naive and awkward, is aroused by the sexual ambiance of the situation. Suddenly, in the midst of these unsettling and exciting experiences, Simon receives an unexpected visit from his mother. They spend the night together in a shabby hotel room. There, she reveals her mysterious world of terrible suffering and strange tenderness.