My Name Is Emily

14-year-old Emily Egan's life is turned upside down when her father, Robert, is committed to a psychiatric institution due to his erratic behavior. This drastic change occurs after a concerned relative deems him unfit to be her guardian, leading to Emily's displacement and emotional turmoil.

After her father's commitment, Emily is shuffled between numerous foster homes. One such stay with her uncle becomes particularly traumatic as her older cousin exploits her vulnerability by reading excerpts from Robert's erotic novel.

Now in the care of foster parents June and Steve, Emily feels suffocated by their well-meant attempts at happiness. Despite their care being non-abusive, Emily battles overwhelming feelings of depression, haunted by memories of her father and the carefree days they shared.

Emily wears a bracelet that belonged to her deceased mother as a constant reminder of happier times and her lost childhood. This artifact serves as a symbol of her longing for stability and the innocence that was stripped away when her mother died on Emily's birthday.

On her sixteenth birthday, Emily is overwhelmed by feelings of abandonment due to the absence of her father and a lack of recognition from those around her. In despair, she makes a life-threatening decision, attempting to drown herself in the school pool.

Following her near-tragic event, Emily is visited by Arden, a shy classmate with a quiet crush on her. He brings her a gift, Steinbeck's *The Grapes of Wrath*, which unexpectedly sparks a connection between them as they find comfort in sharing personal struggles.

As Emily grapples with her painful emotions, she confides in Arden and convinces him to help her rescue her father from the psychiatric institution. The two share a bond, as Arden also deals with his own family dysfunctions, motivating them both to embark on this risky venture.

Emily and Arden set off on a chaotic adventure to find Robert, facing numerous hurdles while trying to hitchhike through relentless rain. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when Arden's grandmother comes to their aid with her yellow Renault 4.

During a breakfast stop at a local supermarket, Emily impulsively steals groceries, including a bouquet for her father. This reckless act causes a rift between her and Arden, leading to a confrontation over their differing moral beliefs.

While camping on the beach, Emily and Arden are confronted by local thugs. In a moment of defiance, Emily courageously tells them to leave, showcasing her resilience, while Arden rushes back with a firearm to protect her, strengthening their bond in the face of danger.

As the tension escalates between them, Emily seeks out her father at the institution. There, she learns a shocking truth: Robert had checked himself in voluntarily, which deepens her feelings of abandonment and confusion about her father's choices.

A climactic confrontation occurs between Emily and Robert at her grandfather's summerhouse. Their emotional exchange unearths years of pain, allowing Emily to articulate her feelings of betrayal while slowly starting to understand her father's distanced actions.

With a mix of hope and uncertainty, Emily's perspective begins to shift after her confrontation with Robert. She returns to the summerhouse with Arden, where they share a tender moment, allowing them to embrace a new phase in their relationship filled with forgiveness.

Emily, wearing her mother's dress, runs joyfully into the sea, symbolizing her acceptance of life's complexities. Arden captures her radiant smile in a photograph, embodying her newfound optimism and the promise of a brighter future ahead.