Part 1 - Sacrifice, Chapters 1, 2 and 3 Summary

Chapter 1 (1945) - Recently discharged from combat duty during World War II, young Willard rides a bus home to Coal Creek Virginia, his mind haunted by memories of things he saw overseas, including the skinned and crucified soldier whom Willard shot to end his pain. When the bus makes a rest stop at The Wooden Spoon Diner in Meade, Ohio, Willard is served dinner by a beautiful waitress whose name is Charlotte Willoughby. When Willard finally gets home, he is welcomed by his emotional mother Emma and his uncle Earskell. Later that night, Willard's drunken confession to Emma that he fell in love on his way home causes Emma concern, as she had promised God she would marry Willard off to troubled Helen Hatton if God allowed him to live. Willard, meanwhile, contemplates both his gun...