The desolate Kansas prairie in the 1870's. Eleven year old May's parents have lent her to their nearest neighbors, near, being 15 miles, because they need the money and the young husband needs someone to comfort and help his new wife who's only a few years older than May. The homes are the typical soddies of that era. There is lots to do for May. The young wife just can't handle the bleak loneliness and one day she takes off. When her husband finds out she has gone, he goes after her, leaving May alone. May's father has promised to collect her before Christmas but that's 5 months away. Although she carefully rations her food, she know she doesn't have enough to last. Then the blizzards start and there's a hungry wolf outside her door,
