The unnamed man and Luz had a relationship, ending when the man returned home to work. The original intention was to save enough money to fly Luz out to New York so they could meet there and get married, but as soon as the two parted ways, Luz lost interest. She describes their love as childish. This left the man alienated from the feeling of love he once knew. This and its consequences are shown in the end when it is revealed that the man contracted an STD from a sex worker. There is a void in the man’s heart, and he is seeking any means to fill it.

As for Luz, the audience can only assume her feeling of alienation. She broke off her relationship due to a new interest, an Italian soldier whom she planned to marry in the spring. We are told in the end that the man did not marry her, implying the decision was against Luz’s desires. There is a subtle hint that Luz is carrying the Italian’s soldier. Luz is now not only alone, but is going to raise the child of the man she wished to marry. “A Very Short Story” does an amazing job capturing the pains that come along with romance, trust, and lust in only a short window.