Set in rural America a father discovers his young daughter dead of fever. Knowing her death was inevitable due to her illness; he is at first devastated but quickly realizes that he does not want his fragile wife to see that the girl has passed. While composing himself he decides to hide the girl in the barn so he may prepare his wife for dire news. But after approaching his wife in the kitchen he is unable to face her with the death of their child.

Ted Henley lives with his father in their run down motel on a desolate stretch of road. He earns his tiny allowance by collecting the roadkill that litters the highway. But when the motel cash register starts to run dry, Ted turns his attention to collecting bigger game.

Mimi and Michael are close friends after a brief and unsuccessful dating interlude years before. Michael has remained in love with Mimi over the years, but Mimi, who has just broken up with her long-time boyfriend, seems willing to try romance with Michael a second time. The spark between them is kindled again, however, during a weekend picnic outing, Mimi, suddenly enthusiastic, proposes to Michael abruptly. The two marry and head off on a honeymoon to Pennsylvania without ever having slept with each other.