In Bellington, Minnesota in 1980, teenagers Cynthia Veil and Robert McKellen navigate the turbulent waters of adolescence against a backdrop of small-town dynamics, emerging technologies, and societal shifts. Cynthia, a thoughtful planner, seeks to connect with her grandfather, hoping to stimulate his mind and slow his worsening dementia. Robert, a newcomer bearing past scars, yearns for belonging and a fresh start. Across four novellas, their lives intertwine with a circle of friends, first loves, families, rivalries, and even Dungeons & Dragons as a form of escapism and character building.

Set in an era of economic stagflation and change, these stories explore the resilience and multifaceted experiences of small-town life in southern Minnesota: Cynthia and Robert's budding romance, Bradley Mitchell's troubled path, Dorothy's artistic aspirations and struggle against rumors, and the local emergency room as a stark reminder of consequences. Bellington's tight-knit community, with its local institutions as gathering places, fosters both connection and conflict. Bad choices and real-world violence strain friendships, alter lives, and spark tensions with a neighboring city. Through character arcs and decisive moments, the novellas illuminate the development of priorities, the need to expand personal boundaries for growth, the mutual support of friendship, and the formation of—hopefully—peaceful worldviews.