I remember this one from when it was first published, Troy. It's a beautiful story.
Also, I think you hit the right length for something like this here. An online/e-read short story appeals to me, along with serials. I think the former fits well on this platform. (Not that I'm biased!)
You should indulge in more short stories, Troy. ;)
There was something healing about those tears in this lovely story. Somehow, it reminded me of "Monólogo de Isabel viendo llover en Macondo by Gabriel García Márquez."
Isn’t it funny how, as far as I know, we have never celebrated anyone for their ability to cry. We celebrate people who through balls through hoops and people who steer cars around tracks and people who walk really far for no real reason — and yet no one celebrates people who are connected to their emotions enough to cry. Strange times we live in.
This was great, Troy. I don’t know how I missed it the first time round, but I really enjoyed it this time. Also, Dr Ward seemed absurdly relaxed about everything, no wonder he lived so long, he mustn’t have stressed a day in his life!
And finally, this — “… and a little dehydrated,” — was such a fun little touch :)
I suppose when we consider at least 1/2 of the population is virtually banned from doing something on pain of abject humiliation, it makes more sense. You'd think it would be a thing - tell me not to do something and you bet I'm gonna do it - but that's sexism for ya. Thanks Michael!
I love the story of Hilma! I remember it from last year and so glad you shared it again so I could fall back into her quiet, healing force. And with the current political climate, her collective tears might be the balm we all need. No more words, the he saids and she saids, simply the outpouring of visible emotion, an almost sacred honoring of this fragile life. I want to know, how/where/when did this story of Hilma enter you?
Can't remember now if it was pre/post visiting the Hilma af Klint/Mondrian exhibit at the Tate Modern, when was it, September of 2023, so must have been post. I think some of us were talking about how the littlest things were making us tear up, and how it only gets worse as you get older. Joy. 😂 Thanks Kim!
I loved this story the first time around and that still stands.
While I love novels I find short stories are also compelling. I would think they are very difficult to write (I have never tried but it seems like it would be hard), I like how they form time differently than longer form, making the author stick closer to the time constraints of the story and the character development has to be spot on - there's no wondering what's going on.
This is such a touching and quiet parable, Troy. I’m not sure how I missed it the first time around. I want more of Hilma. I think the world needs more Hilmas right now. I love how Dr. Ward is ageless and constant. I love the image of her tears falling into the sea from the back of the ship. Bravo!
Thanks Ben! I thought - since it was only ever a link to the original story - that it might be new for some of my early subscribers too. We had a family doctor when we were kids who also treated my mother when she was a young person so I thought it would be a sweet touch to have his guiding presence through this story, too.
"On the forty-ninth day..." I like what you did there. Everything is indeed exhausting, my dear; but not this. This is wonderful 💜
Mwah! Thank you, lovey 🤍
I remember this one from when it was first published, Troy. It's a beautiful story.
Also, I think you hit the right length for something like this here. An online/e-read short story appeals to me, along with serials. I think the former fits well on this platform. (Not that I'm biased!)
You should indulge in more short stories, Troy. ;)
Thanks Nathan! Maybe I will write more short stories, I really need to branch out... ;)
This was a sweet one. I love Hilma.
Me too, thanks ducks 💚🦆💚
There was something healing about those tears in this lovely story. Somehow, it reminded me of "Monólogo de Isabel viendo llover en Macondo by Gabriel García Márquez."
I've never read it - it looks kinda like a short story? Diving in to a translation - thank you so much, Jeffrey!
Yes it is and it has the same kind of hypntoic calmness…
I enjoyed reading this. It reminded me that crying can heal. Especially when it's cathartic and ushers in spiritual renewal.
Thanks Dan - especially the kind that takes us unawares, it can really be a breakthrough.
Isn’t it funny how, as far as I know, we have never celebrated anyone for their ability to cry. We celebrate people who through balls through hoops and people who steer cars around tracks and people who walk really far for no real reason — and yet no one celebrates people who are connected to their emotions enough to cry. Strange times we live in.
This was great, Troy. I don’t know how I missed it the first time round, but I really enjoyed it this time. Also, Dr Ward seemed absurdly relaxed about everything, no wonder he lived so long, he mustn’t have stressed a day in his life!
And finally, this — “… and a little dehydrated,” — was such a fun little touch :)
I suppose when we consider at least 1/2 of the population is virtually banned from doing something on pain of abject humiliation, it makes more sense. You'd think it would be a thing - tell me not to do something and you bet I'm gonna do it - but that's sexism for ya. Thanks Michael!
Yes, that’s definitely a big part of the problem.
And funnily enough, Troy, I’m right there with you — tell me not to do something and you can bet I’m gonna do it. Haha :)
This one is new to me, too! Glad that you shared it here for those of us who missed it.
Thanks Rhiannon!
I love the story of Hilma! I remember it from last year and so glad you shared it again so I could fall back into her quiet, healing force. And with the current political climate, her collective tears might be the balm we all need. No more words, the he saids and she saids, simply the outpouring of visible emotion, an almost sacred honoring of this fragile life. I want to know, how/where/when did this story of Hilma enter you?
Can't remember now if it was pre/post visiting the Hilma af Klint/Mondrian exhibit at the Tate Modern, when was it, September of 2023, so must have been post. I think some of us were talking about how the littlest things were making us tear up, and how it only gets worse as you get older. Joy. 😂 Thanks Kim!
I loved this story the first time around and that still stands.
While I love novels I find short stories are also compelling. I would think they are very difficult to write (I have never tried but it seems like it would be hard), I like how they form time differently than longer form, making the author stick closer to the time constraints of the story and the character development has to be spot on - there's no wondering what's going on.
Well done Troy.
Thanks Donna! I think short stories are quite difficult, maybe in a different way cuz novels are bloody hard too. (Back to my exhausting comment... 😂)
This is such a touching and quiet parable, Troy. I’m not sure how I missed it the first time around. I want more of Hilma. I think the world needs more Hilmas right now. I love how Dr. Ward is ageless and constant. I love the image of her tears falling into the sea from the back of the ship. Bravo!
Thanks Ben! I thought - since it was only ever a link to the original story - that it might be new for some of my early subscribers too. We had a family doctor when we were kids who also treated my mother when she was a young person so I thought it would be a sweet touch to have his guiding presence through this story, too.