A Black teen escapes her abusive father and seeks a ride to Las Vegas, where she hopes to reunite with her mother. A Native American truck driver, on the road to escape his own demons, takes her on, and as they journey, they both find freedom and healing from their past and hope for a new life.

SYNOPSIS:

Three days before July 4th, 1976, Tameka Little discovers her abusive father dead in a field. She heads to a nearby truck stop, seeking a ride to Las Vegas, the last known whereabouts of her long-lost mother. A Native American driver, David Smith, offers to take her and they depart on the Running Deer Express, his truck.

Initially, the trip is fraught with tension: David doesn’t really want the company, but he has a daughter nearly the same age and he understands the dangers of the open road. Tameka pushes against his protection and fatherly instincts. After a frightening encounter for Tameka at a small truck stop, she begins to trust David more.

Along the way, an encounter with an amorous young driver nearly leads to violence, and David reveals why he has been away from his family for so long: a history of alcohol-related problems. Tameka begins to challenge him to reunite with his family, while both of them begin to worry about the difficulties of finding Tameka’s mother with only an old postcard to guide them.

They spend the Bicentennial in Aberdeen, where in the midst of the celebration, they both discover a sense of freedom and hope. David decides that, after his Vegas run, he’ll find a load going closer to home, and he’ll reunite with his family. Tameka’s situation is still up in the air, and though David assures her that he won’t abandon her, neither of them know what might happen if they can’t find her mother.

The police catch up with them just outside of Las Vegas, prompted by a call from the young driver. Tameka successfully argues their way out of it, recalling history lessons that David taught her. Free of the police but reminded of the potential consequences of this trip, David makes his delivery in Vegas, then they begin their search in earnest for Tameka’s mother, last reported to be staying with her Aunt Ruby and Uncle Lyle, local pastors.

As they drive around town, they grow increasingly desperate: he’s got to get on the road, but she can’t fathom leaving without finding her mom. As they’re leaving town, Tameka spots a billboard featuring her aunt and uncle and their church. They arrive and are greeted by Aunt Ruby, who recognizes Tameka and celebrates her arrival. She shares the sad news that Tameka’s mother died several years ago, and Tameka is devastated – she’s too late. Aunt Ruby and Uncle Lyle welcome her into their home with love and thanking David for his help. David heads for home to finally reunite with his wife and children, healed of his guilt and fear.