The Enigma of a Childhood Friend
A perplexing childhood friendship leaves lasting questions.14 total reviews
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I have worked with many autistic children as a retired elementary teacher. I'm sure she didn't understand you. This entry is well written. Good luck with the contest.
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Thank you for sharing this contest entry with us. I have worked with many autistic children as a retired elementary teacher. I'm sure she didn't understand you. This entry is well written. Good luck with the contest.
Comment Written 11-Dec-2024
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Hi Seth,
Since this is a writing site, I'll address the writing. You have the bones of a good story here; especially with the added drama of running into her later in life and her still giving you the cold shoulder.
Here's what missing from your story: any reason for us to care. In your second paragraph, there is so much more you could have done; what was the first thing you knitted, you processed photos, but did you go out together and take any pictures? Describe her! All we know is that she had long hair.
I think you could have spent time telling us a little about autism; not everyone understands what it is.
This reads like a statement rather than a story, and I'd love to see you tell us more. You describe yourself as a writer ... so write!
As far as her reasons, it's probably as simple as someone making fun of her. She was, after all, a teenage girl. Now? Perhaps she's embarrassed by her previous behavior, not mad at you. After all these years, it's not worth wondering about.
I hope to read something else from you with a little more meat:-)
Pam
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Hi Seth,
Since this is a writing site, I'll address the writing. You have the bones of a good story here; especially with the added drama of running into her later in life and her still giving you the cold shoulder.
Here's what missing from your story: any reason for us to care. In your second paragraph, there is so much more you could have done; what was the first thing you knitted, you processed photos, but did you go out together and take any pictures? Describe her! All we know is that she had long hair.
I think you could have spent time telling us a little about autism; not everyone understands what it is.
This reads like a statement rather than a story, and I'd love to see you tell us more. You describe yourself as a writer ... so write!
As far as her reasons, it's probably as simple as someone making fun of her. She was, after all, a teenage girl. Now? Perhaps she's embarrassed by her previous behavior, not mad at you. After all these years, it's not worth wondering about.
I hope to read something else from you with a little more meat:-)
Pam
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 11-Dec-2024
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Sometimes people say and do things without any reason. That she just told you to leave without giving you a reason would suggest she has done something, not you. That she still couldn't explain after all those years is weird. My grandson is autistic and when something horrid is said to him, which happened a lot at school, he took time to try and understand. When no real answer came, he would shrug it off. He is 17 now, and I'm a very proud grandmother. I think after all this time you should just shrug it off, and say to yourself it's her loss. You have a lovely life now, don't let that silly lady put a damper on it. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx
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Sometimes people say and do things without any reason. That she just told you to leave without giving you a reason would suggest she has done something, not you. That she still couldn't explain after all those years is weird. My grandson is autistic and when something horrid is said to him, which happened a lot at school, he took time to try and understand. When no real answer came, he would shrug it off. He is 17 now, and I'm a very proud grandmother. I think after all this time you should just shrug it off, and say to yourself it's her loss. You have a lovely life now, don't let that silly lady put a damper on it. Warmest hugs, Sandra xx
Comment Written 10-Dec-2024
Comment from estory
This little piece seems to be scratching the surface of something much bigger. The mysterious moment you capture here, and a painful moment as well, piques our curiosity about how this break in a relationship that obviously meant a lot to you came to happen. It also makes us aware that there can be subconscious clues in our behavior and words that can disrupt someone else's spirit. But it is sad and also telling that the other person never seems to have forgiven you, or even told you why. estory
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This little piece seems to be scratching the surface of something much bigger. The mysterious moment you capture here, and a painful moment as well, piques our curiosity about how this break in a relationship that obviously meant a lot to you came to happen. It also makes us aware that there can be subconscious clues in our behavior and words that can disrupt someone else's spirit. But it is sad and also telling that the other person never seems to have forgiven you, or even told you why. estory
Comment Written 10-Dec-2024
Comment from Charlotte Morse
Hi Seth,
I very much like your style of writing, with very few words you manage to tell everything that needs to be told.
My favorite line: "She taught me how to knit and process b/w photos. She had cable tv, and we watched MTV together." - Just says so much!
Thank you for sharing and good luck in the contest.
Charlotte
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Hi Seth,
I very much like your style of writing, with very few words you manage to tell everything that needs to be told.
My favorite line: "She taught me how to knit and process b/w photos. She had cable tv, and we watched MTV together." - Just says so much!
Thank you for sharing and good luck in the contest.
Charlotte
Comment Written 10-Dec-2024
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Weird, the long-haired girl's action. Maybe she had a condition, as well???
But with autism, I suppose anything could have been taken wrong. And juveniles can't be held too accountable, not having developed many social skills.
Good luck in the contest.
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Weird, the long-haired girl's action. Maybe she had a condition, as well???
But with autism, I suppose anything could have been taken wrong. And juveniles can't be held too accountable, not having developed many social skills.
Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 10-Dec-2024
Comment from Jesse James Doty
I am so sorry she left without saying why and left you hanging for all these years. I can relate as I am on the autism spectrum as well. Not knowing why is part of the difficulties we face as people with autism. You are brave to share this true story about a young woman who left you with no reason given.
Thanks for showing the courage to share your challenges with all of us.
Jesse
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I am so sorry she left without saying why and left you hanging for all these years. I can relate as I am on the autism spectrum as well. Not knowing why is part of the difficulties we face as people with autism. You are brave to share this true story about a young woman who left you with no reason given.
Thanks for showing the courage to share your challenges with all of us.
Jesse
Comment Written 09-Dec-2024
Comment from Begin Again
In my thoughts, I wouldn't be sure that being autistic had anything to do with the situation, and I most certainly shouldn't carry the baggage around anymore. Whether young or old, we all make mistakes or even change our minds about things; it doesn't mean someone did something wrong. Maybe it was even her parent's suggestion, and at a young age, you do what you are told...or at least we used to. You've moved on and made a life with your family. Enjoy and know whatever it is... you did your best.
Smiles, Carol
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In my thoughts, I wouldn't be sure that being autistic had anything to do with the situation, and I most certainly shouldn't carry the baggage around anymore. Whether young or old, we all make mistakes or even change our minds about things; it doesn't mean someone did something wrong. Maybe it was even her parent's suggestion, and at a young age, you do what you are told...or at least we used to. You've moved on and made a life with your family. Enjoy and know whatever it is... you did your best.
Smiles, Carol
Comment Written 08-Dec-2024
Comment from joann r romei
The situations that we find ourselves in at . I also had similar times where I am left with so many reason as to why something happens, I try to think of something else.
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The situations that we find ourselves in at . I also had similar times where I am left with so many reason as to why something happens, I try to think of something else.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2024
Comment from LJbutterfly
If we think about our childhood when we were trying to figure out the world and our place in it, we will recall some questions that were never answered. In your case, I would imagine the parents of the girl with long hair, had something to say that caused her reaction. Unfortunately, many adults don't think about how children think and feel.
You moved on to have a very successful life. I love how this story ended. Best wishes in the contest.
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If we think about our childhood when we were trying to figure out the world and our place in it, we will recall some questions that were never answered. In your case, I would imagine the parents of the girl with long hair, had something to say that caused her reaction. Unfortunately, many adults don't think about how children think and feel.
You moved on to have a very successful life. I love how this story ended. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2024