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🌹 Hedera Helix's avatar

Even as a pessimist that I'm, I think the boy made it, because the raw oysters are pure protein, and the boy in the end he wake up, if he hadn't eaten anything, he might have died. So the mockery of the "gentelmen" it was of some use. And I've never eaten oysters, by the way. :)

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Paul O'Neill's avatar

Hi Hedera. I hadn't considered the role that the 'bad men' played here. Yes, they were snarky dickheads, but they actually did help.

The next time I come to see any oysters, I don't think I'll be able to look at them the same way!

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🌹 Hedera Helix's avatar

That's for sure! and that is exactly why Chekhov is the Master, his stories make you feel and think and imagine a different ending or suffer with them, and make you company later...

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James Freeman's avatar

Yes, nice little tale full of implications without beating you over the head with it.

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Paul O'Neill's avatar

Hey James! Glad you enjoyed the story. And yeah, his real talent is allowing the reader to think themselves through the tale.

Hope you're doing well.

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Terry Brennan's avatar

Great story. Chekhov really takes you there - the street, the restaurant, the boy's head. And, God, were you rooting for the boy. And the father. My take is there are suffient clues that things will improve for these two. The boy's love, the father's concern.

You learn so much from reading stories like this. So thanks, Paul, for suggesting.

And thanks for a brilliant deep dive.

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Paul O'Neill's avatar

Thank you, Terry. So glad you enjoyed this one. It really is a tale full of heart and hope. A testament to Chekhov's ability to root for the characters.

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