That Evening Sun

Abner Meecham, an elderly farmer from Tennessee, finds himself abandoned in a nursing home by his lawyer son, Paul. Determined to reclaim his independence, he escapes the facility and makes his way back to his beloved farm, yearning for tranquility in his remaining days. However, upon arrival, Abner is shocked to learn that Paul has leased the property to an old adversary, Lonzo Choat, and his family.

Refusing to submit quietly to this injustice, Abner takes up residence in the tenant shack on his land, boldly asserting that he won’t vacate until the farm is returned to him. Lonzo, however, shows no signs of conceding. Tensions escalate when Abner witnesses Lonzo violently disciplining his daughter after she is caught on a date with a boy her parents disapprove of. In an attempt to defend her, Abner fires a warning shot, scattering Lonzo.

The following day, Abner orchestrates Lonzo’s arrest, infuriating Lonzo’s wife, Ludie, who resentfully pays for his bail. As the Choats return home, a furious Lonzo takes his anger out on Abner’s dog, Nipper, killing him and displaying the body in a gruesome act of defiance. After vanishing for two days, Abner returns with Nipper’s stuffed remains, placing it on the porch as a symbolic guardian. The rivalry between Abner and Lonzo escalates, culminating in a fierce confrontation where Lonzo threatens to torches the shack with Abner trapped inside. In a tense moment, Abner draws a pistol, but Lonzo easily disarms him.

The police intervene, prompting Abner’s reluctant move from the shack, primarily at Paul’s insistence, who fears for his father’s mental stability. Admitting defeat, Abner tells his neighbor of Lonzo’s threats and decides to set his shack ablaze in a moment of despair. He struggles to escape but is saved by Lonzo, an unexpected turn of events that alters the animosity between them.

After regaining consciousness in the hospital with Paul beside him, Abner reconciles with the idea of moving into a retirement community. Yet, he remains resolute about planting corn in his new garden, defying his son’s suggestion of tomatoes. The story concludes with Abner visiting his now-empty house one last time, witnessing the departure of the Choats and reflecting on the profound changes in his life.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 19:25