While on her way to confess a secret to her husband in prison, a woman reflects on the recent years in her life. Set in Belfast during the Troubles, newlywed Sheila Molloy is awoken suddenly one morning when her husband is arrested and sent to prison for 20 years. From then on, her life is changed forever, and she struggles to come to terms with her new situation. Sentenced to a solitary life, Sheila attempts to redefine her identity. She begins an affair with another man and must choose whether to remain loyal to her husband.

An IRA gunman on the run from the government meets an idealistic young woman and attempts to win her support for his cause.