In the unforgiving Nebraska Territories during the mid-19th century, Mary Bee Cuddy, a fiercely independent and single woman struggling to make a life for herself on the frontier, volunteers for a daunting task. Three local women have been driven mad by the harsh conditions and traumatic experiences they’ve endured, and need to be escorted back East to receive proper care. Determined but realizing the perilous journey ahead requires more than just her resolve, Cuddy enlists the reluctant help of George Briggs, a low-life drifter she saves from a near-certain death. Together, though mismatched in almost every way, they set out across the barren landscape, each harboring their own personal burdens and seeking redemption.

As Cuddy and Briggs navigate through treacherous terrain, hostile weather, and various threats—both human and natural—they form a tenuous bond. Their mission demands resilience and cooperation, testing their limits of courage and morality. The group encounters significant challenges that expose the raw human condition in its most vulnerable and brutal state. Each encounter they face teaches them something about survival and compassion, shaping their perspectives differently as they move closer to their destination. The weight of their responsibility and the unpredictability of their journey underscore the fragility of hope and the strength of the human spirit amidst relentless adversity.