Fern Burke's husband, Edwin Smith is supporting both households, his own and that of his sister-in-law. He argues that Vera Green, his sister-in-law, would become the subject of gossip since her husband has died, so he brings her along to the military, leaving Fern behind in the countryside. Every month, he sends Fern three love letters, yet gives all his military allowance to Vera. During the famine, Vera and her two children stay comfortably in Edwin's city home, eating meat buns, while Fern and her children starve to death in silence. Fortunately, Fern has been given a second chance at life. This time, she won't suffer quietly…