All We Had

In 2008, single mother Rita Carmichael and her teenage daughter Ruthie set out for a new beginning in Boston amid the economic crisis. Their hopes are soon dashed when car troubles strike, leaving them stranded in a quaint Midwestern town.

Desperate and in need of assistance, Rita turns to Tiny's Diner where she meets the kind and generous owner, Marty. His willingness to help provides a temporary refuge for both Rita and Ruthie as they adjust to the challenges of their new life.

As time passes, Rita and Ruthie start to establish a routine in their new environment. During this time, Ruthie forms an unexpected friendship with Pam, a waitress at the diner who is also navigating her personal struggles.

Rita works hard to rebuild her life and soon catches the attention of Vic, a local real estate agent. With his guidance, she is able to purchase a modest home, which marks a significant step toward reclaiming stability for her and Ruthie.

Ruthie starts high school and finds herself associating with a group of peers who engage in substance abuse. After a troubling incident leads to a three-day suspension, she recognizes the need to distance herself from these harmful influences.

Rita's health takes a turn when she becomes ill and starts self-medicating with Nyquil. While she initially improves, her ongoing fragility complicates her ability to support Ruthie as they continue navigating their challenging lives.

One night at Tiny's Diner, a group of rowdy young men arrives after hours, raising concerns for Ruthie's safety. Rita, worried for her daughter, decides to send Ruthie home to prevent any potential danger.

Feeling anxious, Ruthie returns to the diner to find the group attempting to assault Pam. In a moment fueled by fear for her mother and her newfound friend, Ruthie retrieves a gun from behind the counter and confronts the attackers.

Rita arrives just in time to take charge and drives the assailants away, but her intoxication raises concerns about her awareness during the critical moment. Their actions leave deep-seated tensions that will affect their future.

After the harrowing incident, Rita and Ruthie unite to encourage Pam to reclaim her former spirit and confidence. This supportive bond helps to mend the scars left by their recent traumas and fosters a sense of community.

Rita commits to attending AA meetings to address her struggles with dependency, which opens the door to rekindling a relationship with Lee, a diner patron. Their budding relationship offers Rita emotional support and companionship during tough times.

Despite their growing bond, Rita and Lee grapple with the harsh reality of looming foreclosure on Ruthie's home. Lee’s skills as a dentist become a silver lining as he offers Rita and Ruthie temporary shelter in his own home.

As they settle into their new living situation, Ruthie's restlessness resurfaces, prompting Rita to contemplate leaving once more. This leads to tension between them, especially as Ruthie chooses to attend a high school party against her mother's wishes.

After a disappointing night at the party, Ruthie seeks comfort in Pam's trailer, but is discovered the next morning by Rita. This encounter helps them to confront their issues and reaffirms the importance of their relationship.

In a milestone moment, Rita allows fifteen-year-old Ruthie to drive for the first time. This scenic drive through colorful trees symbolizes Ruthie's journey toward discovering a place she can truly call home, embodying hope for their future.