Lee Hall

As the sounds of war draw closer, Emilie confronts her grandfather about her parents' death and accuses him of cowardice for his passivity. In response, the Grandfather offers a poignant metaphor about bravery through the story of carrier pigeons flying over the horrors of the front line.

Ted Narracott returns home having impulsively spent the family's rent money on a thoroughbred colt instead of a working plow horse. His wife, Rosie, reacts with horror at their impending financial ruin, while their son Albert begs for the chance to keep and train the animal.

In the stables, Rosie reveals her husband's hidden military medals to their son, Albert, explaining the trauma behind his alcoholism and silence. She challenges Albert's youthful perception of glory by highlighting his father's refusal to take pride in the violence of war.