Both Ruby and Eleanor find their lives constricted by the rigid expectations of their social circles. Ruby, a bright girl from a poor background, dreams of college, a path deemed improbable for someone of her circumstances. Eleanor, on the other hand, grapples with the expectations placed upon her as a young Black woman attempting to integrate into her fiancé's affluent family.

Motherhood, in its various forms, is a central theme. Ruby experiences a strained relationship with her own mother, who prioritizes romantic relationships over her daughter's well-being. Meanwhile, Eleanor sees motherhood as her ticket to acceptance within her fiancé's family, only to find it fraught with its own set of challenges.

Despite facing prejudice, disappointment, and heartbreak, Ruby and Eleanor demonstrate remarkable resilience. They navigate difficult choices and learn to rely on their own inner strength. While their lives intersect in unexpected ways, the story emphasizes the unspoken bond of sisterhood that emerges between women who share similar struggles.