From their first meeting as teenagers, Morris Stevens and Hanna Williston’s lives become intertwined. Although three years older Morris is charmed by Hanna’s intelligence, striking appearance and earthy voice and speech patterns. Morris’s and Hanna become important, trusted friends of one another. Three years later at her parent’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, he discovers Hanna is an unbelievably gifted artist. Over the next ten years they develop a bond that spans long distances, personal tragedies, and unspoken obligations. Without design or conscious effort, Morris’s influence and guidance helps Hanna grow and become a famous fine artist and theatrical set designer. Morris stays at Northwestern University writing three books, buying a beautiful home, and earning a Doctorate and a position as a tenured professor. Morris returns to Minneapolis for Hanna’s college graduation party. He meets the people who want to sponsor and ensure her successful launch into the New York World of fine art and theater. That night they become lovers. Despite enjoying their lovemaking more than anything either could imagine they have no way forward with the relationship. Hanna just starting out is so dedicated to her art and theatrical work she has no space in her life for children or a marriage. Morris at the beginning of his academic career also has obligations but knows he eventually wants a family and children and all that brings and means. Morris meets Professor Annie Taylor, a divorcee, and they start seeing each other. A year later they marry. Just before the marriage, Morris returns to New York because Hanna once more asks for his help. She wants and needs Morris’s support when she is nominated for a Tony award for her set and lighting designs for the Musical Forever. After the award ceremony, he tells Hanna he is marrying, and there will be no more meetings between them. Hanna says she understands accepts his decision and releases him from any further obligation to her. However, it is not so simple for either of them. Because of a personal tragedy and their last night together Hanna and Morris’s lives become more entangled than ever.
