In Waco, Texas, 18-year-old Richie left foster care with little more than a duffel bag and a history of heartbreak. Drifting from one odd job to another, he struggled to find his footing in a world that seemed determined to ignore him. When a robbery at a convenience store went wrong, Richie found himself at the center of suspicion, his troubled past making him an easy target for blame.
While evading the watchful eyes of the authorities, Richie met Joan, a young woman who carried her own scars. Joan worked at a diner, serving coffee with a practiced smile that hid her struggles. She saw something in Richie—his quiet desperation mirrored her own. Despite their differences, they struck up an unlikely friendship.
Richie found refuge in Joan’s small apartment, where they bonded over late-night conversations about their dreams and regrets. She introduced him to music, art, and a glimpse of a life he’d never imagined. Joan’s warmth began to chip away at Richie’s hardened exterior, and for the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope.
But the shadows of Richie’s past weren’t far behind. The police intensified their investigation, and Richie’s fear of being arrested grew. Joan, unwilling to see him lose the fragile peace he’d found, urged him to come clean about his involvement—or lack thereof—in the crime.
In a moment of courage, Richie confronted his fears and cleared his name, revealing the true culprits. With the weight of suspicion lifted, Richie and Joan decided to leave Waco together, seeking a fresh start.
