The Very Thought of You

After three long years of service, Sergeants Dave and Fixit receive orders to return to the United States. Their deployment included two years in the Aleutian campaign and time spent on Attu Island, which significantly impacted their lives.

In Pasadena, they take a Thanksgiving pass, eager to reconnect with their everyday lives. They decide to visit Dave's beloved Caltech, anticipating the joy of being back in familiar surroundings.

During their time in Pasadena, Dave and Fixit meet two young women working at a parachute factory. Fixit is instantly attracted to Cora, while Dave recognizes Janet as a familiar face from his past.

Janet invites Dave to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner with her family, knowing he has no family in the area. This gesture highlights Janet's kindness amidst the backdrop of familial tensions.

At dinner, Janet’s family receives Dave coldly, particularly her disapproving mother. The atmosphere is further tense due to her sister Molly's infidelity and her rude brother's 4-F classification, creating an uncomfortable setting for Dave.

Despite the hostile family environment, Ellie, Janet's younger sister, sees the chemistry between her sister and Dave. She orchestrates a secret date for them on Thanksgiving morning, allowing them a brief respite from the tensions.

After their date at Mount Wilson, Janet and Dave find themselves returning home late. Their extended time together leads to lingering emotions and difficulties in saying goodbye.

As Dave prepares to report for duty in San Diego, he acknowledges his deep feelings for Janet. Their relationship strengthens, leading them to a quick marriage and a brief honeymoon, embodying the urgency of love during war.

Molly displays her disdain for Dave by intercepting his letters to Janet, further complicating Janet's relationship with her family. This creates additional tension as Janet strives for her independence.

In pursuit of independence, Janet moves into Cora's apartment. She and Dave plan a meeting in San Diego, although they are forced to sleep on the beach due to a lack of accommodations, which only deepens their bond.

Janet's life takes a sudden turn when she discovers she is pregnant. This news amplifies hostilities with Molly, leading to escalating family dynamics and conflict.

When news emerges of Dave and Fixit's injuries during combat, the mood within Janet's family shifts dramatically. This brings about a wave of empathy and reconsideration of their harsh judgments.

As the family grapples with the news of the injuries, they start to reconcile. Molly, in particular, pleads with her husband for forgiveness, marking a significant shift in the family's dynamics.

After enduring months of separation, Dave finally returns home. The reunion allows him to embrace Janet and hold their newborn baby boy for the first time, signifying a bittersweet closure to their tumultuous journey.