To Leslie

Leslie, a troubled alcoholic living in West Texas, experiences a sudden change in her fortune when she wins $190,000 in a local lottery. This newfound wealth quickly becomes a double-edged sword as her poor decisions begin to unravel her life.

In a few short years, Leslie finds herself squandering her lottery winnings on liquor and drugs. The allure of alcohol and addiction outweighs any hope for stability, leading her down a path of destruction.

Fast forward six years, Leslie's life has drastically changed; she now finds herself homeless, drifting between motels and the streets. This downfall illustrates the devastating impact of addiction on her life.

After being kicked out of a residential motel, Leslie tries to reconnect with her estranged son, James. He reluctantly offers her shelter but sets strict rules in place, particularly prohibiting alcohol in his home.

Despite her efforts to stay sober, Leslie quickly succumbs to her old habits. She resorts to stealing money from James's roommate, Darren, showcasing the deep-seated issues she struggles to overcome.

James discovers hidden bottles of liquor under Leslie's bed, leading him to confront her about her dishonesty. This revelation causes him to reach out to his grandmother, Nancy, in search of assistance.

Leslie moves in with her mother, Nancy, and her boyfriend, Dutch, but their hospitality is short-lived. Nancy locks Leslie out after learning she had been drinking, leading her back to the streets.

After being kicked out, Leslie is found by Sweeney, the motel's proprietor. He offers her a job cleaning rooms and provides a place to stay, giving her a much-needed second chance.

Leslie's journey to recovery is fraught with challenges as she struggles with punctuality and often spends her earnings on alcohol. Her visits to bars represent the ongoing battle against her addiction.

In a moment of desperation, Leslie drunkenly returns to her old family home, alarming its new residents. This act prompts Sweeney to intervene once more, showcasing his growing concern for her well-being.

As Leslie continues to struggle, a friendship develops between her and Sweeney, rooted in their shared understanding of addiction. They support each other through their respective challenges.

At a local fair, Leslie confronts her past as she faces Nancy’s criticisms for abandoning James during his childhood. This encounter forces Leslie to confront her painful history and the impact of her choices.

Leslie leaves a heartfelt voicemail for James from a laundromat, expressing her love and sorrow for the past. However, she is soon tempted back to drinking as she considers visiting a bar.

Leslie finds temporary refuge in an abandoned ice cream shop, telling Sweeney about her dream to renovate the space. This desire symbolizes her hope of a new beginning and creative outlet.

Ten months later, with Sweeney's support, Leslie successfully transforms the ice cream shop into a diner. On opening day, however, she faces disappointment with the lack of customers, leading to a surprising visit from Nancy.

In a poignant moment, Nancy visits Leslie at the diner, leading to a heartfelt reunion between mother and daughter. As Nancy apologizes for her absence, they begin to mend their fractured relationship, bringing James into the fold.