This is a beautiful story. It manages to have symbolic significance and narrative coherence. Sometimes authors sacrifice the story (arc) for an implied message. You deliver both and this is most satisfying for the reader. Your imagery is also very effective.
Thank you for posting this story in the Ink Well community. Have you read and commented on the work of at least two other writers this week? (See The Ink Well community rules on our home page.) This helps our community thrive, and also makes you eligible to be chosen for a spotlight in our weekly highlights magazine. Thank you!
It is great to know my story meets all those elements. Without doubt, it makes me happy and encourages me to keep on writing!
And, yes, I have. I often read some of the good stories that are published in The Ink Well. This week, for example, I read and commented three so far.
Everything is normal
Starting Over
The septuagenarian