New Haven, Missouri's African-American community is in a malignant state of decay, and three young adults--Steve, Tamala, and John Eric, are bound, it seems, to the same fate, almost perhaps to a curse's spell. In spite of this, however, the three attend Park Day, an annual event held in the town park, and a magnificent celebration of hope for the residents of New Haven. On this particular day these three people find that they are presented with choices that could change the course of their lives forever. Steve must see a way to make peace with his father while choosing between his dream to be a writer and a more practical future. Tamala must find the meaning of her perplexing dreams. And John Eric must simply find a way to survive.