By December of 1952, things are definitely looking up for all the Stample kids of McFarland, North Dakota. Albert and George have a good farm home with the Slovens, for whom their father had worked before his death. Rosie and Edgar are cared for and are happy with the Clausens, who manage the Farmers Union store. They see their big brothers almost daily. The Clausens daughter Annie and next-door neighbor / best friend, Bobby Merritt, make sure Rosie and Edgar take part in all the winter activities, especially skating. Christmas comes with a few surprises for all, but by New Years Eve, life is back to normal. Everyone celebrates at the Clausens, with feasting, card playing, and skating.Another blow, though, is about to strike the Stample kids, and grief and healing must begin anew. While her brothers come to terms with their sorrow, Rosie lives with a gray ache. Everyone is very kind, but Rosie has found only one way to copeone very dangerous way!
