During the Depression, a black woman named Hannah Kemhuff attempts to collect food stamps for her four children and husband. Because Hannah is wearing nice winter clothing that she'd received for free, the White woman handing out food stamps—Sarah Holly—rejects her, saying she is clearly not in need. Hannah's husband, who already had wandering eyes, abandons her then and there. Soon after, Hannah's children die. This event sparks Hannah's revenge, as she purchases the help of a rootworker, Tante Rosie, and her unnamed apprentice. Upon hearing Hannah's plight, Tante Rosie instructs Hannah and her apprentice of what they must do to cause Mrs. Holly to wither within six months after Hannah's death. Hannah must recite a curse-prayer and utilize candles, while the apprentice must gather Mrs. Holly's nails, hair, stool, urine, and an article of clothing with her odor on it. Tante Rosie informs the apprentice that she must acquire the ingredients without deception and directly from Mrs. Holly. So, the apprentice approaches Mrs. Holly at her home and informs her of their plan, telling her what they require and why. She taunts Mrs. Holly, saying that if she does not believe in rootwork, then there should be no problem. Mrs. Holly sends her away, with her Black servants shooing her with a broom. Shortly after, Hannah Kemhuff passes and her funeral is poorly attended. In quick procession, Mrs. Holly passes as well. The apprentice is informed by Caroline, one of Mrs. Holly's Black servants, that following the encounter they had, Mrs. Holly became paranoid. Mrs. Holly began hoarding her hair and nails, and storing her stool and urine in barrels in her home, afraid that the rootworkers might come to possess them. Before long, it was unbearable for anyone to reside in the house with Mrs. Holly, and she stopped eating altogether to stop producing waste.