It is 23 November 1964. Joan Wright's daughter, Barbara, has been missing for a year. Joan has had to endure not just worry for her daughter, but also the indignity of her daughter's room being searched by police and the unkind gossip of others. The police eventually scaled down their investigation, believing that Barbara is either dead or doesn't want to be found. Barbara and another missing teacher, Ian Chesterton, have been replaced at Coal Hill School. Back on Earth, Joan wakes from a dream in which Barbara tells her she is all right, she is travelling, and she will be home soon.