Moving to Pleasant Grove, North Carolina in the spring of 1948 had been a mutual decision for Joe and Mariah Hodges. He hadn't been able to find work back in Kentucky and the offer to work for Jacob Grayson on his farm was too good an opportunity to pass up, especially with a small house being part of the deal. It's winter and the first holidays Mariah's ever spent away from family. She is so homesick, she considers taking a bus back home, but Joe reminds her with their first child due the end of December, it wouldn't be possible. He promised her he'd take her back, but hoped she'd reconsider after the baby is born. She has never experienced such a deep feeling of sadness and when a large yellow Lab shows up, her spirits are lifted by his companionship. The dog seems to sense her feelings and keeps her company while Joe is busy with his farming responsibilities.