Happy Endings

While reading this story, I noted from the start that this was different from other stories I had previously read. Interestingly the story has several stories within the text that let the reader see a different perspective on John and Mary. The first tale, I think, is the "perfect story" on how life goes smoothly after marriage and on to the end of life. Granted as a Christian, I will strive to have a good life after I am married, but that doesn't mean it will be perfect, and I don't expect it be. The main thing is working through problems with a Christ like attitude so as to see better results in life, so to speak. Anyways, the second tale in the story shows how there are people so desperate for love and companionship that if the other person does not love them in return then they will take drastic measures so as to get the other person's attention. Nevertheless my reaction to the story is one of pity and anger. I pity Mary since she is trying so hard to get John to love her back. However I am angry at John for not even caring about her and that he only used her for her body. The third tale is one that reminded me of stories one hears about when a co-worker is sleeping with another fellow employee, despite the fact that one or both individuals are married. Nevertheless I was surprised at John taking the extreme measure of buying a gun and then shooting the gentleman he caught sleeping with Mary, then Mary herself, and then taking his own life; I find this quite depressing for obvious reasons. Anyways, the fourth tale I enjoyed the most since it is not about John or Mary, but rather a couple named Fred and Madge. I found their tale a riveting story that shows a survival of a couple who narrowly escapes a deadly tidal wave and still they have each other afterwards. Nevertheless Fred dies due to a bad heart and Mary goes on with her life and never remarries. Finally at the end of the entire story the author makes this quote: "So much for endings. Beginnings are always more fun. True connoisseurs, however, are known to favor the stretch in between, since it's the hardest to do anything with" (p. 1363). I find this statement ringing with truth but I must say that it does not matter how an individual starts or how the middle goes; like a runner in a marathon, it is the end that counts.