Cloyd is originally from Utah, but most of the story takes place in Colorado, specifically the hills and mountains surrounding Walter's ranch. The time is modern, but Walter lives a rugged, rural existence. Cloyd immediately feels freer at Walter's than he ever did at the group home. Although he runs away at first from his social worker and from Walter before he actually meets the leathery widower, he eventually finds himself liking and admiring the old man and wanting to please him. Although he works hard at ranch chores, Cloyd finds time to explore the hills surrounding the ranch.

In the hills he stumbles upon an ancient burial site. Finding a carved, turquoise bear left to protect the grave, he immediately adopts it as his personal symbol and totem. The bear stands him in good stead later when he goes off with Walter to reopen the old man's...