Dial A Prayer

Cora is stuck in a job that she despises, answering calls for the church's Dial a Prayer service. Every day at 4:00 PM, she eagerly escapes to her home, feeling trapped in a cycle of discontent.

Upon returning home, Cora faces the challenges of living with her mother, Mary, who struggles with mental health issues. Her father, a busy lawyer, is often absent, leaving Cora to manage the household stress alone.

It's revealed that Cora’s father used his connections to secure a lenient sentence for her after a serious incident involving her and a group of misfit individuals. This incident weighs heavily on her conscience and complicates her feelings about her current job.

Cora labels her co-workers at Dial a Prayer as 'freaks' due to their quirky behaviors and mandatory cheerful activities. She finds the workplace dynamics difficult, feeling pressured to join in on events like volleyball in the church gym.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Cora contemplates her cold surroundings, accentuated by the blanket of snow covering the town. The festive season contrasts sharply with her bleak outlook on life.

Bill, the pastor at Dial a Prayer, tries to create a positive environment but also makes it clear to Cora that her performance must improve. He emphasizes that quitting her job would lead to dire consequences for her.

Siobhan, a co-worker in the next cubicle, steps in to help Cora with her job. She represents the support network Cora has around her, offering encouragement amidst the chaos.

Over time, Cora begins to embrace her role, showing notable improvement as callers start requesting her specifically. One caller, Chase, even expresses a desire to meet her, hinting at a budding romance.

A figure from Cora's tumultuous past appears unexpectedly at her home, tempting her to return to old, reckless behaviors. Flashbacks reveal memories of the risky escapades that have contributed to her current troubles.

Amidst her struggles, Cora discovers her extraordinary ability to heal others. This newfound skill complicates her moral landscape, as she navigates the thin line between good and bad.

Cora's personality is as complex as her situation; she often uses harsh language that would likely require editing for a broader audience. This roughness adds to the depth of her character and her journey toward redemption.

Cora's mother reflects on her earlier days when she played the angel Gabriel in a church Christmas production. This reminiscence sparks a fleeting sense of nostalgia in Cora as they both face the challenges of the holiday season.

Despite the festive holiday atmosphere surrounding her, Cora feels detached and struggles with feelings of emptiness. The holidays should be joyful, but her personal struggles overshadow the season's cheer.