In Contagious Joy, we find a second-generation daughter, Joy Weatherton, returning to Colorado. Her return is because of the illness of her father. In Colorado, she encounters Anton Rinaldi, a returning wounded war veteran of "The Great War". When they meet, Rinaldi is going through massive trauma and contemplating suicide. He holds a secret, and feels that it is still an insufficient reason to continue living. Joy provides palliative care to her father as a duty and in anticipation of his demise. One day, Joy's automobile stopped working well and needed repairs. Anton and Joy meet in the most ordinary of scenes, at the automobile garage where Anton works. They meet in passing and Anton pursues Joy. Joy comes to learn of Anton's secret. What would become of their love once Anton's secret is known?
