Stephanie Daley

Sixteen-year-old Stephanie Daley collapses in a pool of blood during a school skiing trip in upstate New York. A doctor discovers that the blood contains afterbirth, signaling a grave situation for the teenager.

Shortly after Stephanie's collapse, the body of a 26-week-old baby girl is found in a bathroom stall. The finding is shocking, especially as the baby's mouth is tragically blocked with toilet paper, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s birth.

Despite her claims that her child was stillborn and her surprise at being pregnant, Stephanie is arrested and faces severe scrutiny from the media. She is labeled the 'ski mom' by a public eager for scandal in a tragic case that captures widespread attention.

While awaiting trial, Stephanie is assessed by forensic psychologist Lydie Crane, who is also pregnant. Lydie is tasked with investigating whether Stephanie was truly unaware of her pregnancy, leading to deeper explorations of both women's traumas.

Lydie's first meeting with Stephanie’s family reveals the strained dynamics at play. Stephanie's mother firmly insists that her daughter will never accept a plea deal, highlighting the family's refusal to acknowledge the truth of Stephanie's situation.

Through poignant flashbacks, Stephanie reveals the events leading to her pregnancy. During a party with her friend Rhana, she meets Corey, a recent high school graduate, leading to an impulsive moment that changes her life drastically.

After their encounter, Corey enlists in the Marines, leaving Stephanie alone and unaware of the consequences of their brief intimacy. This abandonment compounds her feelings of isolation and confusion about her unplanned pregnancy.

As Lydie presses Stephanie about her understanding of her pregnancy, Stephanie skims over the question, attributing her situation to a sense of divine punishment. This revelation prompts Lydie to share her own traumatic experience of loss, connecting their stories.

Lydie's marriage to Paul becomes tumultuous following the death of their stillborn child. The unresolved grief impacts their relationship, leading Lydie to confront Paul about her feelings and suspicions of infidelity.

During the ski trip, Stephanie goes into early labor while on the slopes. In a desperate attempt to find a bathroom, she delivers the baby alone, highlighting her isolation and inability to process what she is experiencing.

As her trial approaches, Stephanie faces hostility from the public, leading to a painful incident outside her home. This confrontation results in an emotional breakdown, causing her to injure herself on broken glass and stirring her mother’s concern.

In a moment of vulnerability with Lydie, Stephanie uncovers a buried memory about her delivery. She comes to the painful realization that although her baby was alive when born, her feelings of helplessness inadvertently contributed to her tragedy.

Amidst their shared grief, Lydie provides comfort to Stephanie as they navigate their mutual losses. This connection deepens as both women confront the haunting shadows of their pasts, highlighting the complexities of motherhood, loss, and guilt.