August Snow
by Reynolds Price

THE STORY: In August of 1937, in a small town in eastern North Carolina, we meet the Avery family.

Roma Avery is the widowed matriarch who still maintains a hold on her recently married son, Neal.

He and his wife, Taw, a former school teacher, rent a room from their friend, Genevieve Slappy, while Porter Farwell, Neal's boyhood friend, now lives in Roma's house.

Both Neal and Porter work at the family store, Avery's Clothing.

After the first year of marriage, which has seen them drift apart, Taw gives Neal an ultimatum.

He must recommit with heart and soul to his marriage vows by ending the long nights he spends out drinking with Porter.

He has until supper to abide by her wishes or she will leave him.

Neal begins to see life as a grown up, complete with the disappointments he's tried to avoid, and ultimately knows that Taw is the best thing to happen to him.

He returns, quietly renewing his love.