While attempting to set up a communal garden in the poverty stricken rural community of Hatcher, Bill Richmond becomes aware of a silent, mute, disheveled girl by the name of Belinda. He soon learns that she is considered mentally handicapped by the community, and by her harsh father and aunt, who initially rebuff all attempts at communication and assistance from Bill. He persists in making contact, and discovers that Belinda is actually deaf. He realizes that he can communicate with her using sign language, and teaches her to sign. Gradually, Belinda's world opens up but life is not all smooth sailing, however, as Bill deals with the sneers and jeers of the town's bad boy, Kyle Hager and his group of rowdy friends.