It Came by Loss is a tale about Pete Gordon at the hospital bed of his charismatic mother as he struggles with her demise from alcoholic liver failure. An attraction with a nurse draws Pete to reveal his vulnerabilities. Pete is haunted by the tragic death of his friend, Alf, when the men surfed monster waves. Petes position at a marine center involves a research trip with unstable Dr. Fields. Pete and his new girlfriend advise against diving after a violent squall. Fields is lost at night. Pete rescues him in the dramatic ferocity of the sea. Form his connection with Valerie, Pete rises from the tragedies of his past.