Gardens of the Night

At just eight years old, Leslie is kidnapped by Alex and Frank. Under the pretense of searching for a lost dog, Alex manipulates Leslie's trust during a car ride to school.

After school, Leslie is further ensnared by the kidnappers, who fabricate a story about her father's supposed troubles. They drug her to take control and transport her to their secluded house.

In the house, Alex coldly informs Leslie that her parents no longer want her. He provides a fake payphone number that leads her to a heartbreaking realization that no one is coming for her.

Leslie is coerced alongside another victim, Donny, into a grim life of prostitution and child pornography. Despite the horror of her situation, Alex pretends to be a protective father figure, adding to her confusion.

The children encounter predatory clientele, including men of authority who mislead them. These interactions further complicate their perception of safety and trust, placing them in a perilous situation.

To cope with their harsh reality, Leslie and Donny create an imaginary world inspired by Mowgli from *The Jungle Book*. This shared escape provides them comfort amidst their harrowing existence.

During a trip to a convenience store, Leslie sees her missing person’s photo on milk cartons but remains unaware of her parents' search. An observant store owner recognizes her and alerts the police.

Just as law enforcement arrives at the store, Alex and Frank evade capture, whisking Leslie and Donny away once again. Their escape highlights the ongoing danger they live in.

Years later, Leslie and Donny find themselves entangled in a desperate life, with Leslie resorting to prostitution. The once innocent friendship becomes complicated as Donny harbors feelings for her.

Despite their sibling-like bond, Leslie struggles with her emotions regarding Donny's affection. In a moment of clarity, she decides against exploiting a vulnerable girl and chooses to return her to safety.

During this encounter, a shelter counselor uncovers Leslie’s true identity. He informs her that her parents have been searching for her all these years, forcing Leslie to confront her traumatic past.

The revelation shakes Leslie's understanding of her identity and past life. She is torn between the trauma of her experiences and the desire to reconnect with her family, navigating a complex emotional landscape.

Struggling to reintegrate into a normal life, Leslie ultimately flees back into the night. Driven by hope, she embarks on a journey to Florida, seeking to reunite with Donny, her only true companion.