Maggie's support system had disintegrated before her very eyes.  First Mom died ...then shortly afterwards Dad leaves them.  Her older brother, Len, takes on the responsibility for a while, taking care of her and their younger brother, Ted.  Ted is the smart one in the family, getting a once in a lifetime opportunity to study overseas ...and he takes it.  Len is strong for a time, but then appears to begin going the same route as Dad, except with Len it is not just alcohol.