In 1965, a lonely Italian-American housewife named Francesca lives on a quiet farm in Iowa with her husband and two children. Her life changes when her family leaves for a few days, and she encounters Robert, a traveling photojournalist on assignment to photograph the county's historic bridges. Their chance meeting turns into an unexpected, intense four-day affair that profoundly impacts both of their lives. They share their dreams, disappointments, and reveal long-buried emotions.

As they grow closer, Robert and Francesca find themselves torn between their deep connection and the responsibilities that bind them to their separate lives. The bond they form during those four days forces Francesca to re-evaluate her life's choices and the notion of personal fulfillment. Their short time together highlights the tension between passion and duty, leaving both Robert and Francesca forever changed by the brief but profound love they discovered. The story unfolds through Francesca's diaries, which her children discover after her death, providing a poignant look at the complexities of love and sacrifice.