This story, set in Scotland during World War I, explores the relationships between five young friends. The first, 18-year-old John, enlists in the army while his 15-year-old girlfriend, Charlotte works to earn her nursing certificate. Staying with Charlotte is John`s twin sister, Maggie, who searches for her own freedom. Charlotte`s brother, Francis, disagrees with war but feels compelled to sign up for the service, while young Alex, who is below recruitment age, is determined to make it to the front lines of battle.