Pam Foley, a young widow raising two sons on her own, struggles to survive the additional strain of running a drought-ravaged farm. In the aftermath of Marta's sudden departure, Terence finds his relief in alcohol, but still must contend with the opinions of Esme Watson and Councillor Muldoon, going so far as to punch out Muldoon in the club, breaking his nose, when the councillor utters some disparaging remarks about Marta.