Six-year-old Caleb has only known life in the woods. He has never been to school, he hardly knows how to read, and everything he knows he learned from his parents during their daily lessons. In preparation for an intense lesson coming up, Caleb's father slits his thumb to show him that blood is nothing to worry about.

Caleb's mother is giving birth soon, and Caleb must be ready to hold the flashlight so that his father can guide the baby out. One snowy evening, it was time for the baby to come. After her water breaks, his mother sits with her legs up and begins pushing. But the baby doesn't come. The night drags on, and his mother keeps trying. She groans with pain and yells "something's wrong" as she keeps pushing. Blood pools beneath her.

Finally, the baby comes, but something is off about it. The baby is furry and has a bear-like snout and claws. His mother can't stop bleeding. Caleb's father decides to head into town for help, and as Caleb watches his father's truck head around the curve, it doesn't turn when it was supposed to. A few seconds later, he hears the crash miles below. Caleb's mother called out to Caleb, apologizing before she grows silent. When he goes over to her, he knows she is dead.

The next morning, Caleb and his brother find themselves the only survivors of the night before.