Paterson, New Jersey, 1961.
Catherine Spages, a young divorced woman, is raising two daughters, 12-year-old Alice and 9-year-old Karen. Karen is about to have her first communion, and the priest gives her an antique crucifix that he inherited from his mother. Alice is jealous of her little sister and teases her cruelly. When it comes time for communion, Karen goes missing. She is found, but too late – someone has killed this young creature…..