Sam Henson is a bitter, cantankerous, old redneck whose world is a prison of depression and anger. It was not always so. Once, he had the love and adoration of his wife, Martha, and children. Now, his wife has deserted him. His daughter, Karen, who provides his home healthcare, is stealing his money, and his son, Tom, is gay. Sam's health is bad and he's terrified of dying-the means, not the final results. The thought of being bedridden and completely dependent upon his daughter is almost as frightening as the images he conjures up of an extended and painful death.
After a terrific argument with Karen, he determines to take an extended vacation. He liquidates his savings, puts his house on the market, loads his RV, and heads from Macon, Georgia to Alaska. His plan is simple. Along the way, he'll spend all his money and shoot himself upon arrival.
At a truck stop, he meets Terri Warner, an eighteen year old, black, road whore running from her own demons. They come together like milk and beer-splashing at each encounter, but unable to mix. Terri is adept at spinning self-serving lies and Sam's bigotry works like a poker in hot coals. Sam reveals bits and pieces of his story, and Terri learns of his family, the reason for the trip, and its intended ending. But it's the dark secret Terri hides that shatters their world and forces them along a path of friendship and devotion neither desires.