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Vanessa's avatar

Souls seeking a connection and perhaps a plan B as she contemplates under the guise of needing more clarity for her story. I was an art history major and I am an artist as well. Check out www.thefirstkiss.org and thelastkiss.org. It's worth reading the inspiration behind these paintings. Back to your short story. Yes, indeed the repartee between these characters was like watching a ping pong match with two professionals. The speed, the spins and then the slam is quite entertaining to say the least. I admire you tackling a real world story of souls with history. Those who wander are not always lost. ( Tolkein?)

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Mark Paalman's avatar

BTW thanks for the links. Lovely paintings and sentiment, nice focal points for prayer. Also interesting that (1) I have a 3rd degree relic from Bl (St) Carlo, and (2) the parish I attend is run by Redemptorists, founded by St. Alphonsus. Coincidences?!?

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Mark Paalman's avatar

I will check out those readings, thanks.

That was a great description and it’s what I was aiming for so - positive reinforcement !

There’s also a layer further down: of sin (the both of them) and (at least for her) redemption plus even conversion, exemplified through her attachment to her crucifix and Jesus. They’re both human and broken, and he’s mostly honest about his state, but she’s at least making the effort to change.

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Vanessa's avatar

It’s a God incidence not coincidence🙏🙌🥳

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Vanessa's avatar

Yes indeed … we are working out our salvation with fear and trembling and her outward gesture of gently holding her crucifix was quite poignant… as she reminded herself of who she is becoming - living and working out Christ crucified as the hope of glory resides within !

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Suzy Paalman's avatar

I love the repartee between your two characters!

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Mark Paalman's avatar

Did it seem authentic? Did the woman seem realistic to you, in her role, given his audacity?

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Susan Taapken's avatar

A great story, I loved the ending! Their First Interview?

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