We Still Say Grace

In a remote stretch of farmland, a weather‑worn house stands far from the hum of civilization, its walls echoing the rigid doctrines of its patriarch. The world outside feels sparse and indifferent, a stark contrast to the claustrophobic routine that governs every moment inside. Beneath the creaking floorboards and the ever‑present scent of homemade preserves, a palpable tension lingers, hinting that something far darker than simple piety holds the family together.

At the heart of this uneasy tableau is Maggie, a teenage girl whose restless spirit chafes against the oppressive expectations imposed by her deeply religious father, Harold. Harold enforces a strict, almost ritualistic way of life, insisting on total obedience and unwavering faith, while his wife Betty and their other daughter Sarah move in the shadows of his dominance, each coping in their own quiet way. Maggie watches the world through cracked windows, dreaming of escape and yearning for a life untouched by the suffocating creed that defines her home.

The fragile balance shatters when three strangers—Fisher, Randy, and Luke—appear on the driveway, seeking a momentary respite from a broken tire. Their sudden presence injects an unfamiliar energy into the household, offering a glimpse of the world beyond the fields and a chance for unforeseen connections. Their casual manners and outsider perspectives clash with the family’s rigid order, creating a charged atmosphere where curiosity and fear intermingle.

As the strangers settle in, the house becomes a crucible for hidden desires and suppressed doubts. Maggie finds herself forced to confront the stark reality of her situation, weighing the weight of devotion against the pull of freedom. The mood swells with a quiet dread, promising that the coming days will test the limits of faith, loyalty, and the yearning to break free from an unyielding grip.

Last Updated: October 11, 2025 at 19:37