In the 1920s, Jarrat lived on a Port William, Kentucky farm with his wife, Lettie, and their sons, Tom and Nathan. When Lettie dies, Jarrat recedes into himself, leaving Jarrat’s brother, Burley, and their parents to take care of the boys.

Burley becomes attached to both boys and trains them to work on the farm. When Tom grows into a teenager, he has a violent fight with Jarrat that leads to him moving out. Nathan never disputes with Jarrat because he learns from his brother’s example. Tom finds work and grows into his own man, making Burley proud. Nathan soon follows.

Over the years, Jarrat and Burley’s parents die, emptying the house out slowly. When World War II breaks out, the boys are drafted, and Tom dies. Jarrat takes the news quietly and tells Burley. Despite their sorrow, they keep doing the only thing they know how to do: work in silence next to each other, doing what needs to be done.