Where the Lilies Bloom

Roy, though sickly, asks Mary Call to assume the role of father in his absence. He warns her not to reveal when he dies, fearing authorities and foster care. He notes that outsiders like doctors, undertakers and preachers 'just take money', underscoring the danger of the authorities discovering a death.

Kiser, the landlord, is interested in marrying the eldest Devola. Roy forbids it and makes Mary Call promise she won't let the union happen after he dies. The promise is tied to keeping the land with the Luther family.

Mary Call and her younger brother Romey assist Kiser when he is sick with pneumonia. In gratitude, Kiser agrees to sign the land back over to the Luther family, hoping to secure their future.

When Roy passes away, the children bury him on a mountainside in an unmarked grave. They go to great lengths to keep the death a secret from the outside world.

The Luther children rehearse what to say if asked about their father's death. They practice lies and guard their knowledge to prevent the authorities from splitting the family apart.

Kiser continues his courtship of Devola, while Mary Call does everything she can to thwart the pursuit to protect her family and their land.

The Luther children scrimp to survive, selling roots and herbs gathered from their land to the local pharmacist to make medicines. This frugal life shows their resourcefulness and determination.

Mary Call takes refuge in her journal, and her essays draw the attention of a teacher. The teacher urges her not to waste her talent by settling for a life in the hills.

Kiser lands in the hospital after being hit by a truck. Goldie, his nosy sister, comes to the Luther house and demands they leave, insisting the land paper is worthless and ordering eviction in 48 hours.

With few options left, Mary Call visits Kiser in the hospital and offers herself in marriage to him. He would rather marry Devola, and in a heated moment Mary Call blurts Roy Luther is dead, threatening to kill him if he tells anyone.

Mary Call insists Roy is dead to Kiser and pressures him to consider Devola as a safer future for the family. Her urgency shows how the secret death has shaped every decision.

Despite initial misgivings, Mary Call decides to allow Kiser to marry Devola, hoping for protection of the siblings and their land.

Following the marriage, the entire Luther family comes to live together in Kiser and Devola's household. The arrangement secures shelter and continuity for the family despite hardship.