The ending is hopeful in a way, Fred Shirley, but also anxious. Our nameless protagonist has fallen in love with Jerry, a love made probable by tragic circumstances and an utter breakdown ways of being. Now what?

Before is back.

Will Jerry revert, like he did when he changed in the booth, beholdened to norms that have disappeared?

Did our hero mistake the fire burning behind Jerry’s eyes, seeing only what he wanted to see?

The shadow knows. I don’t.

This is a true short story, without arc or a resolution.