Sister Gabriel (Anna), a nun in a Silent Order, is informed of the tragic death of her brother and has to leave the convent for the first time in 16 years. During that time she has to come to regard her tiny cell as a prison, and at 34 is becoming acutely aware of her own desire to have a child. This family tragedy is about to change her life forever.

Anna, is torn between her life in the convent and trying to save her brother's failing business. She also has to face her own physical and emotional desires in her relationship with Hal, the foreman at the family mill.

The outside world becomes more alarming as Anna, has to deal with the banks in her desperate efforts to save the mill. She discovers that men are beginning to perceive her more as a woman than a nun.

Anna, is driven back to the convent by a frightening sexual encounter, only to realize that she no longer belongs there. She asks for a release from her vows to undertake the responsibility of the family business.

Anna, with everyone's help, manages to secure the future of the family mill in spite of efforts to sabotage her work. Anna returns to the convent to sign the papers which will release her and walks out of the convent gates for the last time to face her future.