A young boy named Willy is excited to visit his Aunt Annie and new Uncle Frank in Exeter, accompanied by his grandparents. Willy is a sweet, delicate child, and his family is eager to see him thrive during the trip. Upon arrival, he is warmly welcomed and enjoys various activities, including fishing and berrying, which contribute to his health and happiness. As the visit progresses, Willy's grandparents decide to extend their stay for a silver wedding celebration, much to Willy's delight. However, a misunderstanding arises when Willy is given his grandfather's coat to take home, but he insists he never received it. This leads to confusion and distress among the family, as they cannot comprehend why Willy would lie about such a matter. Despite their efforts to coax the truth from him, Willy remains adamant that he did not receive the coat. The family grows increasingly worried, and they decide to return home early, believing that his mother might be able to resolve the issue. Willy's emotional state deteriorates as he feels misunderstood and trapped in a situation he cannot explain. Eventually, it is discovered that Willy's grandmother mistakenly gave the coat to another boy, leading to a resolution of the misunderstanding. The family rallies around Willy, showering him with love and affection to make up for the distress he experienced. A gold watch is gifted to him as a token of their affection, but Willy retains a memory of the incident, illustrating the lasting impact of innocence and the weight of unjust suspicion.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1904 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Family Drama