In a small store in the North Eastern corner of Canada, a place called Murder Point sits the 30-year-old John Granger. He is alone and contemplating what he has done with his life, and how come, after starting with such advantage, he has come to this. In his reminiscences, he remembers John Pilgrim, a man who does not have a good relationship with him. His reverie is broken by the approach of a stranger who appears to be heading directly for him and who is driving a team of dogs ferociously through the snow.