As a child, Ned is always enamored with his grandfather’s stories of their Native American heritage. He often sneaks away to the reservation to listen to his wisdom. When Ned’s grandfather dies, he begins to find emotional refuge in those memories. Now an adult, Ned works on a logging crew. He’s careful to respect the power of the trees they cut down. Larry, a Vietnam War veteran, is the team leader. He takes an aggressive approach to the job, frequently cutting corners when he can find a faster way to do things. This carelessness backfires on him—he accidentally smashes a tree into a house, which gets him booted from the managerial position. Ned overcomes racial barriers and takes his place. Ned often spends time with Renée, Larry’s girlfriend. She’s a kind soul who loves to listen to Ned tell his grandfather’s stories. She becomes increasingly afraid of Larry’s temper as their relationship progresses. On a day off from work, the crew gathers at a local bar. Larry flirts with the barmaid, and her husband, the bartender, confronts him. Larry flies into a rage—he beats the couple and several of his coworkers with a pool cue. He smashes furniture and windows. Desperate to stop him, Ned knocks him out. When the police arrive, Larry gets off with minimal punishment because of his connections within the department. Meanwhile, Renée’s unhappiness reaches a fever pitch. She douses her groin in sulfuric acid, and she ends up in the hospital. Ned comes to visit her every day, and he comforts her with folklore tales. Each day at work, Ned waits for the day that Larry’s violence will finally catch up with him.