The story begins with Ricky Snyder as a young boy growing up with older parents in a town in Tennessee. Millie Pendergrass is a talented girl, somewhat protective but very fond of Ricky. The two become good friends as well as great young companions. Millie is an excellent pianist. Ricky wants to learn to play the piano. Millie agrees to teach him how to play. With Millie as his piano teacher, their relationship begins to blossom. Ricky's desire is to attend Juilliard and become a concert pianist. It is obvious from the beginning of the story that sadness happens. The surprise is how opportunities develop and how two lives join. The story goes from the present to the past, and eventually the two times blend. Ricky Snyder's career becomes a focus of both the present and the past.