ichael Keddington -- who dropped out of college to care for his mother -- is suddenly at a crossroads. He yearns to return to college, but after his mother dies he's faced with paying off debts incurred during her hospital treatment. Fortunately, he has the love and support of his girlfriend, Faye, and gets a job at a health-care facility run by Helen Staples. That's where he meets Esther Huish, a lonely and withdrawn older patient who slowly opens up to Michael. Unfortunately, Faye's controlling father isn't about to let his medical school-bound daughter continue her relationship with Michael, and conspires to end it. Michael's life becomes even more difficult when a co-worker falsely accuses him of a heinous crime. Through everything, Esther stands by Michael and teaches him important lessons about faith, love and forgiveness, and implores him not to give up.