Livvie is married to a strict old man named Solomon at sixteen. They live near the Natchez Trace. Nine years later, Solomon is a very old man who hardly leaves his bed. Livvie continues caring for him, but now she explores where Solomon never allowed her to. She watches the liveliness of other young people from her window. One day, a make-up saleswoman visits her house. She tries lipstick for the first time. The saleswoman allows her to buy the make-up; Livvie needs money since Solomon keeps it locked away.

Later, Livvie goes outside and meets a man named Cash from the city. She and Cash walk together, get to know one another, and eventually kiss. Cash goes to Livvie's home, where Solomon is still asleep. Livvie senses he will die soon, but Cash wants to kill him to have Livvie as his wife. Just before Cash decides to strike him dead, Solomon wakes up. He says his final words: apologize for keeping Livvie away from young life. He gives her his watch. Cash and Livvie leave together.