11 year old Louise, an only child, lives on an estate in London with her mother, Jan and her pet goldfish. Louise's real father left the family some time ago and the goldfish, however pathetic a pet that may seem, is Louise's sense of security and is everything to her. With her single mother working late most nights, Louise channels her loneliness into a heart warming and unusual bond towards her pet fish. The goldfish, reflects Louise's powerlessness and paradoxically, her self reliance. Emotions run high one night as Jan's alcoholic boyfriend returns home and tragedy strikes.