Wonderfully drawn with deft dialogue and careful details. From the comfortable domesticity to the formality of the symphony hall, every moment crackled. And the awkwardness of Maria’s misinterpretation at the end = so perfect. We’ve all been there, and that’s one of the aspects I admire most. There’s no need to make people exotic or “other,” when real life is so much more interesting.
Reminds me of someone I used to work with back in the 90s in NY - not closeted, but not out… I can’t imagine what it was like for her to live in a sort of limbo.
Oh I loved this, thank you, within a couple of minutes I felt like these were characters which I’d known for years. You have an extraordinary talent for inventing whole, real people--it’s almost Godly ;) LOVED Dot, LOVED all the dialogue, LOVED suppressing a laugh along with Alice at the end. So fun, bravo my dear, wishing you and those you love that happiest of new years ✨💗✨
From the opening lines, you steer the narrative with such deft control and timing I can sit back and enjoy the ride with every confidence that you're going to take me somewhere fascinating. You create such a comfortable picture of Maria and Jane and their domestic life, their anxieties about being gay in a small town, and most of all their naiveté about the young Alice. It's subtle and real. I'm sure the prompter will be honored by your telling of the story. Bravo, Troy!
This is really great, Troy. You weave the way Maria has had to move through life, wondering when or how she should disguise pieces of herself, into the fabric of the story. I love all the characters and relationships you've brought to life here. And Dot lumbering up the aisle in a panoply of tweed! Ha.
I was right there in the clothes closet with Jane and Maria. I was right there in the car with Alice and Maria. Excellent job drawing out Maria's character in such a short time Troy, a great story! I felt empathy for every character!
"the poor girl so flustered she tried to buckle her belt into the box of tissues between the seats"
Teehee. Such a good visual.
A really lovely, charming story, Troy. You gently allowed the reader to work out various details here, whilst also showing the admiration of teacher and student in both directions. 💛
The way you switch the ambience of narration in each of your stories is impressive and marvelous. This is a delightful story. Happy almost New Year, my beautiful friend!
I love how you approach the subject of internalized homophobia with wit and charm as always. The lesbian is nervous about being 'too gay' and doesn't realize how much her student admires and looks up to her....
the comfort of elastic for the overly-precious cinch of heterosexual camouflage....This encapsulates how so many of us feel...not entire comfortable in our own skins even when those around us are.
I just absolutely love the way you turn a phrase, and I envy your wit. I nearly spit my morning coffee when Dot "lumbered up the aisle in a panoply of tweed." Such a great read!
Wonderfully drawn with deft dialogue and careful details. From the comfortable domesticity to the formality of the symphony hall, every moment crackled. And the awkwardness of Maria’s misinterpretation at the end = so perfect. We’ve all been there, and that’s one of the aspects I admire most. There’s no need to make people exotic or “other,” when real life is so much more interesting.
Reminds me of someone I used to work with back in the 90s in NY - not closeted, but not out… I can’t imagine what it was like for her to live in a sort of limbo.
I loved this! So full of joy and love! And the characters are bought to life so vividly 👏💙
Wonderful piece, Troy.
I have to echo, Chloe’s comment — you are so good at creating real characters, it’s truly a skill you have in droves.
I so enjoyed the dynamic between Maria and Alice in the car — such relatable back and forth between friends. Bravo sir.
And happy new year too, brother :)
Oh I loved this, thank you, within a couple of minutes I felt like these were characters which I’d known for years. You have an extraordinary talent for inventing whole, real people--it’s almost Godly ;) LOVED Dot, LOVED all the dialogue, LOVED suppressing a laugh along with Alice at the end. So fun, bravo my dear, wishing you and those you love that happiest of new years ✨💗✨
From the opening lines, you steer the narrative with such deft control and timing I can sit back and enjoy the ride with every confidence that you're going to take me somewhere fascinating. You create such a comfortable picture of Maria and Jane and their domestic life, their anxieties about being gay in a small town, and most of all their naiveté about the young Alice. It's subtle and real. I'm sure the prompter will be honored by your telling of the story. Bravo, Troy!
This is really great, Troy. You weave the way Maria has had to move through life, wondering when or how she should disguise pieces of herself, into the fabric of the story. I love all the characters and relationships you've brought to life here. And Dot lumbering up the aisle in a panoply of tweed! Ha.
Happiest of New Years to you, my friend!
This was great, Troy. Funny, observant and generous. I find myself wondering what piece by Mahler they saw.
I was right there in the clothes closet with Jane and Maria. I was right there in the car with Alice and Maria. Excellent job drawing out Maria's character in such a short time Troy, a great story! I felt empathy for every character!
"the poor girl so flustered she tried to buckle her belt into the box of tissues between the seats"
Teehee. Such a good visual.
A really lovely, charming story, Troy. You gently allowed the reader to work out various details here, whilst also showing the admiration of teacher and student in both directions. 💛
The way you switch the ambience of narration in each of your stories is impressive and marvelous. This is a delightful story. Happy almost New Year, my beautiful friend!
I like that. I like that a lot!
Tweed almost always breaks my heart.
"panoply of tweed" = grand.
You convey meaning with sly wit and active descriptions. I'm glad that I started today's reading with this story.
I love how you approach the subject of internalized homophobia with wit and charm as always. The lesbian is nervous about being 'too gay' and doesn't realize how much her student admires and looks up to her....
the comfort of elastic for the overly-precious cinch of heterosexual camouflage....This encapsulates how so many of us feel...not entire comfortable in our own skins even when those around us are.
Thanks again Troy for a wonderful story.
I just absolutely love the way you turn a phrase, and I envy your wit. I nearly spit my morning coffee when Dot "lumbered up the aisle in a panoply of tweed." Such a great read!
Sweet story with a few sprinkles of sharpness. Very well done. Thank you, Troy.