When Polly was still sitting in trees with her best friend April in 1970s Northeast England, they were both sure they\'d have families one day. But when they grow up, education and career become important, too. Some years later, when Polly settles with Jack, she feels torn over whether or not to try for a baby. After repeated miscarriage and chronic illness take their toll, Polly and Jack have to face a tough decision. As Polly looks back on her own expectations and those of her parents, she has to confront what family means in a society where \'family\' usually means \'children\'.