What was this online story?

December 29, 2022 7:06 AM

I read a story online (probably linked from MF) describing a struggling farmer preparing for a visit from the bank. His wife spent time sprucing up the indoors, maybe laying a gingham tablecloth, and this convinced the visitor from the bank that they didn't need to call in the loan, and the family avoided bankruptcy... Can you help me find it? Thank you!
posted by limoncello to Writing & Language (2 answers total)

Something about your description reminds me of William Maxwell's 1980 novella, So Long, See You Tomorrow. (Even if So Long doesn't turn out to be the story you were thinking of, it's haunting, and well worth your attention.)
posted by virago at 8:35 PM on December 29, 2022

Long shot w/ minor spoilers - this is a plot point in Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres, except it’s a lawyer visiting and not the bank, there’s a dispute over inheritance of the property and the wife is cleaning thoroughly to make a good impression. FWIW, she’s also thinking about a crush she’s developed on a handsome outsider. She does eventually succeed in court and keep the property.
posted by momus_window at 2:47 PM on December 30, 2022