It's been said that a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. For young Mae, that first step is huge. Mae was born on a farm under the yoke of an oppressive father who wished she was a boy. Mae cannot read or write and has no friends. Often, she daydreams about what it might be like away from the farm and live in an exciting big city. Eventually, her dream comes true when Father sends her to live with Aunt Wilma - a retired school teacher she has never met. Notwithstanding their age differences, they get along famously. Exposed to another way of life, Mae learns to read and write. She even finds time for romance, and soon, her son, Ronnie, is born. Despite objections from cruel people in hostile places, Mae is determined to make good on her promise to provide Ronnie with a better life.