Ben and Rey have been dating in secret since high school graduation, more than a year now. Their relationship has only been kept a secret from Rey's guardian, Unkar Plutt, out of fear of what he might do if he ever found out. One warm, summer night, Ben proposes to Rey under an old Willow tree in the park. The next day, Ben phones her house and politely asks Plutt if he could speak with him about a matter concerning Rey. Plutt might have other ideas, but Ben has always been a stubborn man.