An unexpected conflict forces Verna to re-examine her life.

What was it Donald used to say? "When it comes to children, you pay now or pay later. You never don't pay."

Middle-aged Verna Macoun Woodcock returns to the family cottage for the first time in 38 years to scatter the ashes of her husband, father, and twin sister. At first she is alone except for her dad's dog, the lake, bitter memories, and a barely hidden drinking problem. But soon Verna is forced to open up her tightly shut world to others: strong-willed handywoman Winonah; the neglected children of...