January 1950 - A small boy, his brother, and his father abandon their car in a blizzard near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Evening approaches and he fears being left behind. As they push on towards a distant highway, they hear a vehicle behind them. It stops and the driver offers a lift. They climb in and he returns them to the motel where his mother anxiously awaits them. The experience leaves a deep impression on the boy that stays with him into old age.

January 1960 - Now a junior in high school, the young man struggles to fit in. He's attracted to several girls but is too shy to ask...