Lauren, a quiet and bookish high school senior, finds solace in literature and dreams of leaving her small town. Spencer, wealthy and popular, hides deep emotional pain behind his charm, struggling with neglectful parents and self-destructive behavior. When paired for an English project, they bond over poetry, forming an intense but fragile romance.

Despite their connection, cracks emerge. Spencer’s mood swings, reckless drinking, and emotional distance worry Lauren, but he believes he’s beyond saving and pushes her away. One night, after a heated argument, he abruptly leaves town without a word, devastating Lauren. Though she moves forward—graduating, going to college—Spencer lingers in her thoughts as a lost love.

Years later, they reunite. Spencer has changed, seeking redemption, while Lauren has grown stronger. He regrets leaving and hopes for a second chance, but Lauren realizes she’s no longer the girl who would sacrifice herself to save him. Though they still care for each other, they understand love alone cannot heal all wounds. You are Spencer’s son.