An Awkward Reunion

Summary

Andrea, a struggling writer, grapples with resentment and jealousy upon her brother Alan's return to Lyon, following his successful career and viral article on euthanasia, which contrasts with her own lack of recognition.

Abstract

The narrative "An Awkward Reunion" delves into the complex emotions of Andrea, who feels overshadowed by her brother Alan's professional achievements in the field of medical ethics. Alan's viral article and subsequent book deal on Medium, along with the financial success it brought, exacerbate Andrea's sense of failure and question her own writing abilities. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a rain-scented late summer day in Lyon, where Andrea's internal turmoil is palpable. Despite her attempts to mask her feelings, her brother's bombastic arrival and teasing manner only serve to heighten the tension. The gift of a dictionary, though intended as a thoughtful gesture, further underscores the rift between the siblings, with Andrea interpreting it as a slight to her literary aspirations.

Opinions

Andrea harbors deep-seated jealousy towards her brother Alan, stemming from his professional success and recognition in contrast to her own struggles as a writer.
Alan's demeanor, described as bombastic and teasing, suggests he may be somewhat oblivious or dismissive of the impact his success has on Andrea.
The author portrays Andrea's internal conflict with a mix of bitterness and wistfulness, highlighting the disparity between her perceived reality and her brother's achievements.
The gift of the dictionary, while possibly well-intentioned, is seen by Andrea as a patronizing gesture, reflecting a lack of understanding or appreciation for her work.
The story implies a critique of the arbitrary nature of success in the writing world, where talent and effort do not always correlate with recognition and financial reward.

A short story in response to “The Favourite Word Challenge”, with thanks to Michael Burg, MD.

A petrichor scent filled the late summer air, the result of a long-promised rain storm that had broken through the afternoon heat. Inside the house, Andrea’s stomach churned like a mystical mescolanza bubbling upon a hot stove-top, an insidious nervousness grasping at her insides.

Not that she gave much of a fuck about the ludicrous shitshow that was her brother, Alan’s return to Lyon.

Nearing the end of a six year stint in the USA, where he had been Professor of Medical Ethics at Harvard Medical School, her brother, Alan had published an article on the writing platform, Medium, on the subject of euthanasia and assisted dying. The piece had gained traction quickly, and before long the algorithms had kicked the article into the viral stratosphere. The article earned Alan a five-figure sum within six months of publishing, and he had recently been offered a lucrative book deal.

For Andrea, the struggling writer who had been slogging away for over a decade, it was a hammer blow to the ego and a challenge to her faith in her own ability. Especially as, in her learned opinion, the article was a load of gobbledegook and nowhere near as worthy as her own work.

Laughing, Alan drew Andrea into a mirthful embrace before pinching her cheek roughly with a painful squish. The whirlwind effect of his bombastic greeting left Andrea feeling discombobulated.

Life had been quiet during Alan’s absence. Yes, she felt love for her (mostly) well-meaning younger brother, and she couldn’t deny that he could be fun to be around when they were kids. But his sweet side was often evanescent, giving way to an almost profligate arrogance; an insouciant and contumacious attitude that was untoward in such a clever and accomplished man.

Riddled with jealousy, Andrea couldn’t help but hope Alan’s stay would be as short lived as the sweet raspberry popsicle that had melted to liquid in her hand and stained her white dress all those years ago; a summer treat that day when their parents had dragged them to Opiefest-1984.

“Mahalo, sis!” Alan boomed in an exaggerated American accent, a beaming look of joy on his face.

Andrea winced, managing only a wan, flaccid smile from which Alan was quickly able to extrapolate the true scale of his sister’s ire.

“You ain’t happy to see me, are ya?” he taunted, his whole manner facetious and teasing. “Gee, I wonder why?”

Oh, he knew perfectly well that there were a plethora of entirely justified reasons why she was less than thrilled by his return, even if Father did insist on hugging his golden-haired boy warmly and muttering, “Je t’aime” as he doted around him with teacups and macarons.

“Oh, Andrea, I cannot stand to see you so melancholy” Alan continued, and reached into the duffel bag at his feet. “I have brought you a gift, ma sœur, that will appeal to your anemoia.”

With a flourish, he presented Andrea with a delicately carved wooden box, with beautiful, intricate patterns inscribed upon its every surface. Andrea studied it with gentle fingers before opening the lid with a delicate reverence. Snuggled within was a pretty paisley silk scarf wrapped around what was clearly a book of some description. She drew the sides of the scarf aside to find an original 1900 print. Of Webster’s. International. Dictionary.

“A dictionary? Are you trying to be funny, dickhead?” Andrea spat, glaring at Alan from across the table. Alan let forth an uproarious laugh, almost choking on his tea.

Andrea shook her head, but she couldn’t help the smirk that spread over her face as she muttered, “Ach! Nakakainis ka talaga, brother…”

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