Before the first choice
On an October Saturday, you return to your aunt Ruth’s small Vermont orchard. The apples need picking, but Ruth has asked the family to stay after the morning work. She wants to talk about doing less next year. Nobody has agreed what that means, and nobody can decide it for her.
People you’ll meet
- Ruth Hale
- Your aunt and the orchard owner. She wants less work, without others deciding her future.
- Daniel Hale
- Your cousin, who handles everyday orchard work and wants his time to count.
- Mabel Price
- A neighbouring grower who knows the old apple varieties and speaks plainly.