J. W. Kever learns that his brother Meade, who was nine years older than J. W., is dead, and insists that he go with his father to retrieve Meade's body from Georgia. Meade was killed by cotton pickers. Long Kever, the boy's father, refuses to let his son come and tells him to go play outside. J. W. takes his dog Josha outside and meets the other children, and they play a hunting game in the woods. Long tells J. W. to be back for supper. He tries to be nice to his child, who frustrates him. He takes a bath while his wife Mary Elizabeth lays on the bed; she has been bed-ridden since Long told her Meade was dead. Mary Elizabeth had loved Long once, but when the children were born, she chose the children over him. She always sided with Meade, even when he began to talk back and disobey. One day, Long slapped Meade, and the two began to fist-fight. At the end, Meade walked out of the house to never return. That was a year ago. Long questions who he is in relation to his sons. Meanwhile, J. W. runs in the woods. When he stops and the other boys catch up to him, he picks up a stick and pummels them, full of grief and anger. J. W. runs home, where his father has cooked dinner and waits in the doorway. He runs to his father and puts his face in his stomach. Long awkwardly puts his arms around his son.