When the influenza pandemic of 1918 strikes rural Indiana, George, a Hoosier farmer, develops a "long-haul" case. His already strained marriage with Vi increases her burden. Their Christian Science daughter, son-in-law, and seven children don't believe in sickness or death or masking. George and Vi's spoiled and charming 23-year-old son, Aldus, loves life in the fast lane and nearly bankrupts them. They are sincere Christians, but George has a secret sin, and Vi fails the Biblical test of "love is patient; love is kind."