Summary

Sean, an older Irish man and recent divorcee, spots Annie walking by the wayside in Ireland, and invites her to stay in his luxurious home. However, he fails to notice that she is accompanied by Maria, who he finds less attractive, and must now make do with both guests. As he approaches his home, he notices that his old friend from Oxford, Malcolm, is waiting for him by the door. They had not seen or heard from one another in years. The short story explores the motivations of each character by switching the perspectives of the third person narrator.

Annie and Maria are best friends, but Marie has a crush on Annie and desires to be close to her always. Annie kissed Marie in the train ride there, and Marie believes that this is proof of Annie’s secret desire for her. However...