Bill believes that one of his students, Stacy Hancock, is interested in having more than just a student/teacher relationship. Meanwhile, Bill writes a story about a writer who comes face to face with the ghost of Papa Hemingway while looking for inspiration.

Without asking Bill first, Cynthia invites one of his writing rivals, P.F. O'Horgan, over for dinner. Cynthia and Grandma Lucy are immediately warm to the man, while Bill is still suspicious for the larger part of the evening. However, he and O'Horgan eventually warm up to each other- at least for the evening. Meanwhile, Bill starts writing a new story for a literary magazine that's reminiscent of the old tale 'The Lottery.' A blind girl in a country town starts to have horrible visions left over from when she was able see.

Cynthia's former boyfriend and his new wife invites the Fearings on a fishing trip, triggering a story in Bill's mind about three salesmen on a hunting trip being stalked by a menacing, unseen force.