This is a novel reflecting on abortion. Specifically, it involves a pregnant teenager who is petitioning a juvenile court in a small Missouri town for the right to terminate her pregnancy. The novel follows the various characters involved with the case: the judge, his law clerk, and the attorney assigned to her (to name a few) over the course of a few days during a very hot August. All of them find themselves reflecting on what they thought were solid and unquestioned attitudes on this divisive and emotional subject.