Forced to flee Latvia with their family in 1944, twins Astra and Hugo journey to Germany in carts, on foot and by boat. But at a crowded station, Hugo is injured and separated from his family. In their subsequent search for each other, Hugo and Astra fear for each other's safety.

Continues the story of the Petersons, first featured in the book "Tug of War". After fleeing from the advancing Russian army the Petersons arrive in Toronto in 1948. But their problems are not over. Lucas, the father, has a heart attack shortly after their arrival and is rushed to hospital.