Mildred and Norman are best friends, and it doesn't matter to Norman, a porcupine, that Mildred, a tree, doesn't speak. He can feel her reciprocate his feelings and enjoys spending time with her. Then one day Norman notices a sapling in the ground and believes that Mildred now has a new best friend. Insecurity overwhelms Norman and he devises a plan to get rid of the sapling, but soon realizes his plan doesn't make him feel better.