Louise Mallard has heart trouble, so she must be informed carefully about her husband's death.But then she imagines the years ahead, which belong only to her now, and spreads her arms out joyfully with anticipation.Josephine screams, and Richards tries unsuccessfully to block Louise from seeing him.Louise's husband's friend, Richards, learned about a railroad disaster when he was in the newspaper office and saw Louise's husband, Brently, on the list of those killed.Louise begins sobbing when Josephine tells her of Brently's death and goes upstairs to be alone in her room.She hears someone singing as well as the sounds of sparrows, and there are fluffy white clouds in the sky.Louise knows she'll cry again when she sees Brently's corpse.Josephine comes to her door, begging Louise to come out, warning her that she'll get sick if she doesn't.The front door unexpectedly opens, and Brently comes in. He hadn't been in the train accident or even aware that one had happened.She sees trees, smells approaching rain, and hears a peddler yelling out what he's selling.His hands were tender, and he always looked at her lovingly.