I Just Read About That…

SOUNDTRACK:

[READ: December 8, 2023] “Friendly Crossroads”

This year my wife ordered me The Short Story Advent Calendar.  This is my sixth time reading the Calendar–it’s a holiday tradition!  Here’s what H&O says about the calendar this year.

The 2023 Short Story Advent Calendar is a deluxe box set of individual short stories from some of the best writers in North America and beyond.  Now in its ninth year, the SSAC is back to once again bring readers a deluxe, peppermint-fresh collection of 25 short stories from some of the best writers in North America and beyond.

The author of this story was Lydia Conklin.  Each day has an online component with the author with a brief interview.

It’s December 8. Lydia Conklin, author of Rainbow Rainbow, focuses on the horizon to avoid carsickness.

This story struck a nerve with me because it reminded me of a youth retreat that I went on–although it was very different to this one.

I don’t exactly remember what mine was for–confirmation, maybe?  We were supposed to sleep over, but my friend and I didn’t have to for some (legit) reason.  I didn’t NOT want to sleep over, but whatever we had to do the next day–must have been something for High School admission–made us exempt.  And it turned out I was so happy we were because as I put my stuff in our room, the boy who was in the room with me looked at me and said “you’re definitely showering in the morning.”  Or something like that.  Which is pretty terrifying.  But I left, so I never had to deal with that…whatever it was.

So this story is a about a Unitarian Church whose ninth grade youth group has gone on a little retreat.  The topic is sex education.

Corey is the main character.  She is gay although she hasn’t officially come out to anyone–what would be the point?

Along with the leaders is Meredith, a college graduate who had been through the program.  She was invited to present a special award to lone of the youth.  Corey really wants to win the award

They arrive at the retreat: Friendly Crossroads: a place where people come to talk.  The building was made of long halls with shabby carpets.

When they settle in, they go to the main room and have their discussions.  The main question is always “what’s your sexuality?”  To which everyone proudly says “straight.”  But when Meredith is introduced, the leaders proudly announce that she is gay.

After dinner, Corey decides to bond with Meredith–she really wants that award.  They walk and talk and Meredith tells her something about the award that makes Corey not want it anymore.  When they get back to the room, Meredith tries to be nice to Corey.  She pats her and says “I know I can’t do anything, but you deserve to be touched.”  But Corey isn’t having any of it.

It feels like Corey is at a crossroads and her life could go in many different ways from here.