This is quite the week: both of us came in under 1000 words. I know you were aiming for under 100, but you came damn close! This is wonderful stuff. I admire people who can say so much in so little. It makes my heart ache to read, Ma Kowalski wanting her son to have that happiness, and hoping he's strong enough for the hardship that will come with it.

Nicely done, poor sick lamardeuse!