A Distant Cry from Spring

Tamiko and her young son Takeshi seek shelter from a violent storm at their sparse farmhouse. A lone stranger, Tajima, arrives seeking refuge and is allowed to sleep in the barn. He helps with a cow's calving, demonstrating calm competence, and vanishes at dawn.

At dawn, Tajima thanks them and quietly disappears, leaving the family to wonder about his fate. The brief encounter lingers in Tamiko's thoughts, hinting at a growing sense of care. Takeshi remains curious about the mysterious visitor, while Tamiko weighs the stranger's kindness against her caution.

Months pass, and spring returns to the farm. Tajima returns, asking for work in exchange for food and lodging. Although hesitant, Tamiko accepts the arrangement out of necessity, recognizing Tajima's reliability and steady presence.

Tajima proves to be a diligent, self-sufficient worker, taking on demanding chores and easing the farm's burden. Takeshi forms a close, almost fatherly, bond with him, seeing Tajima as a stabilizing figure. The household comes to rely on his quiet competence.

Tamiko suffers a slipped disc and is hospitalized, forcing Tajima to run the farm in her absence. Tajima's leadership helps the farm stay afloat during her absence, and Takeshi grows more attached to him. The strain deepens the emotional connections in the makeshift family.

As Tamiko recovers, Tajima's bond with Takeshi deepens, yet Tajima remains reticent, sleeping in a separate shed and maintaining distance. Despite the unspoken boundaries, their shared routines—feeding cows, repairing equipment—build a fragile sense of kinship. Takeshi begins to see Tajima as a surrogate father.

A man from a wealthier farm pursues Tamiko, seeking her as a mistress rather than a wife. Tajima intervenes when the man and his brothers threaten Tamiko, and his calm but firm defense defuses the confrontation. The aggressors are softened by Tajima's restraint and the situation shifts toward a cautious alliance.

Tajima's past gradually comes to light: he has been on the run after killing a man who threatened his wife, who then committed suicide. He has been dodging the law for at least two years. This revelation strains the bond binding the characters and forces them to confront a heavy history.

Ultimately, Tajima decides to surrender himself to the authorities, acknowledging his responsibility. Tamiko's feelings become mixed with sorrow and resolve as she accepts the likelihood of separation. The decision marks a turning point for Tajima and the farm's future.

On a train where Tajima prepares to leave for custody, Tamiko finally voices her feelings for him, telling him she will wait for him after the four-year prison term. The moment is restrained yet emotionally charged, sealing their commitment in the face of separation.