Henry, an American war reporter, finds himself suffering alone in a French hospital during World War II. He struggles with guilt regarding the disappearance of his son Eric, who was lost on the war front weeks before. One day, Henry meets his new hospital neighbour, Alex, a friendly 10 year old orphan. As days go by, Alex manages to get through Henry’s hostile shell and befriend him as both of them bond over photography. Henry continues to struggle with nightmares about his missing son, but Alex reinvigorates the aging man and teaches him about hope through what he calls a ‘happy tree’. With the help of his new friend, Henry finally finds the strength to accept that his son Eric is long gone.