Megan Malone is seven years old. Her mother, a labor and delivery nurse, thinks of her as Little Miss Song and Dance. Her father, a high school teacher, thinks of her, secretly, as his rare treasure. Her brother Sam, who's ten, doesn't think about her much at all. Then Megan is diagnosed with leukemia. Drawn into the world of hospitals, doctors, chemotherapy and conflicting medical opinions, the Malones are not always certain who has their child's best interests at heart. Their marriage suffers, with each partner seeking escape from the unbearable strain. And Megan learns her own lessons from a dying hospital friend.