It's the dead of night. Two sisters - one channeling Emily Dickinson, the other engaged in a delusion her doll is a living baby, drag a body across the floor and stuff it into the refrigerator. Maria, the dominant older sibling, swears Emma to secrecy.

At dawn Walter, an escaped convict, breaks into their secluded home. He and Emma have been exchanging torrid letters. He's arrived seeking food, water, shelter and intercourse - of all sorts.

Despite herself, Emma is beguiled. Maria strives to protect their secret, her baby Grace and themselves. Walter toys with them.

As the narrative unfolds, truths are told, lessons learned, the body discovered and at least one of the characters is set free.