It's set at the Christmas party of Gabriel Conroy's (Christopher Walken) music-loving aunts, where three generations gather each year for a holiday feast. This year, a guest's song awakens a memory for Gabriel's wife (Blair Brown) and revives a long-buried passion.
             It was dawn when Gabriel and Gretta Conroy, Mr. Bartell D'Arcy, and Miss O'Callaghan left the Misses Morkans' annual dance. There had been some dancing, piano playing, singing, conversing, and dining at the gathering. The sky was still dark as the group began their walk, with Mr. D'Arcy and Gretta leading the way. Gretta was particularly quiet and indifferent, in comparison to Gabriel, who was feeling much affection for his wife. He was proud and happy to have Gretta as his wife, having witnessed her grace and composure at the party. Gabriel was full of emotions; he wanted to be alone with Gretta, to hold her, even protect her. All he wanted was to remember the moments of ecstasy he and Gretta shared, not the dull, plain life they usually led. Gabriel could not wait to be alone with his wife, and be rid of their present company.
             The group eventually caught a cab, and the ride was pretty much uneventful. There was very little conversation amongst them, and when the cab reached the hotel, Gabriel paid the driver as he and Gretta disembarked.
             Gabriel felt as if he and Gretta had escaped from their daily lives, and away to a new adventure as they were led to their room. Gabriel was full of desire for his wife, he wanted to take her in his arms, and show her how he felt, but Gretta seemed tired and distant. He held off, and instead, told her about the loan he gave to Freddy Malins. Gretta responded by kissing him, and saying that he was a generous person. When Gretta kissed him, Gabriel thought that perhaps, she was feeling the same way he was, wanting the same thing at that moment. He asked her what she was thinking about, and at first she did not say anything, then sud...