"A Very Short Story" Summary

Nick recovers in a hospital and begins a romantic relationship with Luz, the nurse. They make plans to marry after the war when Nick returns to the U.S. and finds a stable job. However, in the time that they are apart, Luz has an affair with an Italian soldier and calls off her engagement to Nick. Nick never speaks to her again and loses himself in a life of womanizing and alcoholism.

"A Very Short Story" Analysis

Nick's relationships with women continue to be problematic. His relationship with Luz is formed in the hospital, where Luz is in a caretaker role. As a caretaker, Luz takes on the mother/sister role that is necessary for Nick to trust her and to fall in love. Nick sees Luz's change of heart as a betrayal. Nick's...