The People We Keep

Content Warning: This section references sexual violence, a relationship between a minor and an adult, child abandonment and abuse, drug use, and anti-gay prejudice.

16-year-old April Sawicki steals her neighbor’s car to drive to her first open-mic night; she has no car of her own or anyone to drive her. April lives alone in a motorhome with no motor because her father abandoned her in favor of his girlfriend, Irene, and her son. April’s mother abandoned her when she was younger, and now April operates as an independent adult.

At the open-mic night, April signs up to sing two original songs. As she waits for her turn, she wishes that her father were there to support her. She mingles with other artists and witnesses acts of differing talent. The success of other artists feeds her insecurity, but once she performs, her world changes. April’s original songs are very personal, and her authenticity shines through. One is about the first time she had sex with her boyfriend, Matty, while the other is about her father’s neglect.

After her set, she receives compliments and assurances that her performance was the best of the night. April leaves with a new sense of purpose and accomplishment.