Set in wartime Philadelphia, the story is told by Ellen, the youngest of three sisters in a narrative that travels back in time. She narrates to her daughter how she used to live for the annual Easter visits to see her cousin Randall the red hair that they shared helping to unite them with a strong unspoken bond. Later, when Randall leaves for the war, the young lad tells the blossoming girl that his new allegiance is to her. Unfortunately, Randall's emotions die with him when he is reported missing in action leaving memories and a book, "The Gardens of Kyoto" behind. Throughout the narrative the reader gets a feeling of distance and loss as Ellen recounts her friend's abortion, her sister's death followed by her husband's -- all after the childhood loss of Randall.