By all accounts, Ron is an attractive man - but he is absolutely fascinated by Sarah Cole, who is the 'homeliest' woman he has ever seen. Her appearance invites mockery from others, including her friends and the people she works with, but when she comes up to Ron at a bar, he can't help but get to know her. Sarah has children that she clearly loves, but her ex-husband is no longer in the picture. She works hard to get by, but her life is nowhere near as good as Ron's: her car is in bad condition, her clothes are unflattering, and she is uncomfortably aware of all her 'shortcomings.' Despite this, Ron and Sarah become lovers. They spend most nights with each other, but never go out together in public - until Sarah demands that they go dancing. Ron refuses. Sarah realizes that he is ashamed to be seen in public with her, and she reminds him sharply that he owes her friendship and respect. He agrees, and they go out, but Sarah almost always acts inappropriately, and Ron finds himself having to take her home. Eventually Ron tires of her. She realizes that he no longer wishes to see her, and she comes over to his house so that they can talk. After realizing that his affections have indeed cooled, Sarah refuses to leave. She does not want to be like his 'other' girlfriends, who will come when called and leave when he no longer wants them. Ron, in a fit of anger, insults her appearance three times. Each time he does, she becomes more and more beautiful to him - and then she leaves, weeping. In the years to come, Ron marries another woman and learns that Sarah Cole has died. It is only after her death that she becomes a valued memory to him, and he realizes that he did truly love her.