 Tom has long since withdrawn from life after losing his wife and son to scarlet fever many years previously, whilst Willie is a quiet, apprehensive young boy who comes from an abusive home.Despite initial difficulties, such as Willie habitually wetting his bed and threatening Tom's dog, Sammy (before learning he is friendly), the two slowly begin to bond with Willie calling him 'Mister Tom'.Tom learns that Willie lives with his abusive, extremely religious mother after reading a letter she has enclosed with a belt for him to beat Willie with.