Charlotte and James Proulx, a newly married couple in 1941, deal with James's approaching departure to fight in World War II. After leaving her his father's watch, and a promise that he will return to hear her sing, James goes to join the front lines. While he is away, Charlotte becomes an overnight sensation, singing in front of hundreds of people. James surprises her with a quick return before one of her concerts, but after Charlotte finishes the number, James just looks on sadly. The home life of the newlyweds becomes tense, and comes to a head in a one-sided argument. Leaving the heated discussion to answer the door, Charlotte discovers from Mayor Cook and British officer Ian Wood that James was discharged from battle with a Purple Heart. A flashback reveals that James was deafened by an explosion, leaving him unable to ever hear his wife sing again. They tearfully embrace, knowing things will never be the same.