When Isaac moves north from Florida to join his uncle’s medical practice, he cannot understand why Minnesotans would plan an outdoor festival for January 1886. His doubts about his new location, however, are minor compared to his growing doubts about his ability to be a doctor. For Christal, life is pleasant and peaceful. So why does it seem when Isaac arrives that she can no longer be satisfied with her simple life? Why does she suddenly see so much lacking in herself, and so little to desire?