Yearning to escape the provincial doldrums, yet unwilling to compromise, Helena swaps the menacing reality for daydreams, boys, books and booze. Will she manage to leave before the time runs out on her and the world she loves to hate?

Just like the green husk on the freshly fallen walnuts, the life in the province leaves an indelible stain on anything it touches. Helena knows that the only way to get rid of this stain is to break free, and to keep running until she could no longer taste the small-town dust in her mouth. But, as the clock ticks on and the old demons begin to stir, Helena is finding her quest for freedom far easier said than done.