Set against the lush forests and vistas of the Pacific Northwest in Washington State, we witness the often tranquil ebb and flow of Robert Grainier’s life. Born to parents he doesn’t remember, and destined for a life of hard labor in the early 20th century building railroads and logging, he finds his true purpose when he meets Gladys. Robert and Gladys soon decide they will build a quiet life together beside a beautiful, secluded stream, and have a child together. Due to Robert’s long absences for work, and local work at the time not being lucrative enough, they both dream of using their modest land to build a sawmill and have a closer family life. Tragedy strikes while Robert is away working and saving money, and the struggle with meaning and loneliness returns as he waits for signs and searches for what made him whole, once again.