Lamplight is the story of a young writer struggling to finish a book in time to meet its first deadline. In the process, he is haunted by memories of his lonely childhood and his abusive single mother. We learn of his inner turmoil that is only compounded by the broken heart of a recently lost love. His long-time girlfriend dumped him because of her writing (lack of success, time away from her, etc.) The topic the writer is addressing pushes his fragile emotional state to the edge, causing him to act drastic and self-destructive way.