During World War II, a woman named Rosemary Chatham writes a Dear John letter to her boyfriend, breaking up with him because he has been away too long. On June 28, 1945, Rosemary is attending a graduation dance in the town of Avalon, California with her new boyfriend Roy, who suggests they go out to the point in order to make out. While there, they are attacked by a mysterious prowler in an army combat uniform, who impales them both with a pitchfork, leaving behind a rose.