Ray, a neglected young boy who lives nearby in a trailer is drawn to the secluded meadows and valley around Jasper Spring. Alice and Tucker, the childless couple who ranch and who are caretakers of the valley find themselves drawn to the boy. Alice, Tucker, and Ray soon find themselves in a battle for survival as as a drought descends and the threat of fire looms. But the greater threat to all of them is from the boy's young and impetuous mother....