Brenda Arnstein's life is falling apart. In the span of a few days, she finds evidence of her husband's infidelity, is diagnosed with breast cancer and suffers a miscarriage. A friend's invitation to use his art studio at the World Trade Center gives Brenda hope. Or at least a distraction.
John Butterfield's life is falling into place. Three years after the brutal rape of his wife, the resultant demise of his marriage, and an injury that forced him into early retirement from the police force, John has made his peace. Sort of.
One bright Tuesday morning in September, John is out sailing on the Hudson River. On that same Tuesday morning, Brenda is in the north tower of the World Trade Center.
At 8:46 a.m. everything changes.
John spends the day ferrying people back and forth on his sailboat - from lower Manhattan to Jersey City. Brenda's family spends the day fearing the worst when she doesn't return home. And a hand reaching out of the darkness puts everything into perspective.