sick parents

In 19th century Holland, A Dutch brother and sister work toward two goals, finding the doctor who can restore their father's memory and winning a race whose prize is silver skates.

Jess, a natural-born runner, is thrilled when she is chosen for the city track team, but her mother doesn't share her excitement; when her mother becomes ill, Jess, overcome by anger and then denial, attempts to deal with it alone, refusing to accept help or sympathy from even her closest friends.