A Week in Winter

Ann and Charlie Wall, who refer to themselves collectively as “The Walls,” have a close and devoted marriage. One of their favorite activities is to enter contests together. They have become very proficient at it and won a great deal of prizes. For their upcoming 25th anniversary, they decide to win themselves a holiday. Their top choice is a luxury stay in Paris. However, they are horrified to learn they have only won second place, a week’s stay at Stone House, instead. They arrive in Stoneybridge heartbroken at being cheated out of their Paris trip. Chicky compliments them on their successful marriage, revealing that she was one of the competition judges. When pressed, Chicky explains that the first-place winner submitted song lyrics instead of an essay as instructed. The Walls are incensed. Later, they commiserate together at a pub and the bartender compliments them on their seemingly healthy relationship. Several nights later, The Walls tell the other guests about their specialty in contest winning. The others are impressed, and they all decide to enter a contest together. They choose a competition to invent a new local festival and debate possibilities.