The story begins with Linda, the object of Thomas' love, but the story is really about Thomas, a poet. The relationship starts in high school & is severed for the first time when the two are involved in a car accident. Years later they meet in Africa, where they begin a short lived affair. They meet again at a writer's conference, over 25 years later. Ultimately, Thomas learns that there are consequences to his decisions, missed opportunities, time lost. The story was a disappointment, too slow paced, the only excitement - the denouement at the end. The story labors over Thomas' feelings, but there is little elaboration on Linda's feelings - her personality seems flat, almost indifferent. The story reads like a bleak rainy day.