For the past 40 years, Felix Bush has been a hermit, living alone on the outskirts of town. He's the stuff of legend--a frightening eccentric whose secluded home is where little boys test their courage by throwing rocks through the dangerous man's windows. When he hears an old friend has died, he makes a rare visit to town to meet with undertaker Frank Quinn to explain how he wants to "get low." He plans his burial plot, his stone, his farewell sendoff, and even the designated speaker. He intends this all to happen now, while he's still alive and can enjoy getting the value for his money. Quinn's young assistant Buddy isn't so sure about all this. Felix's past is a bit mysterious, but his desire for the party may have something to do with a long-ago romance with Mattie Darrow, who is now a widow, and has returned home. Is Mattie the reason Felix has been punishing himself all these years?