On Being Understood: Reflections on the Response to ‘Comings and Goings’

It’s been just over a month since Comings and Goings – The Art of Being Seen was released into the world, gently and without fanfare. I didn’t expect a wave of attention—not for a story that doesn’t chase drama, but rather leans into stillness, nuance, and the kind of empathy that often goes unnoticed. Jim Garraty isn’t a conventional protagonist. Kelly Moore isn’t a manic pixie dream girl. And this story, for all its brevity, sits with quiet courage and the fragile grace of human connection.

So imagine my surprise—and gratitude—when not one, but two thoughtful reviews surfaced that didn’t just compliment the writing, but truly got it.

The first came from someone listed only as “Anonymous.” Their praise was generous, describing the pacing as “so good you will not stop reading till the end” and calling the language “lyrical,” comparing my style to Hemingway and Fitzgerald. That’s high company, and humbling to hear. But what moved me most was the emotional impact they described: “One big quotable line, vivid descriptions and emotional moments…a story you will think about for days.” To be remembered is a kind of validation we writers rarely get in real time.

Then came Denise Longrie’s review, which stopped me cold. She didn’t just read the story—she felt it. Denise wrote:

“Kelly listens and does not push, mock, or judge…She sees, something Jim, invisible up to that point, is grateful for.”

In one line, Denise captured the soul of the piece. That moment—when Kelly sees Jim without trying to fix him, entertain him, or turn his pain into performance—is the heart of Comings and Goings. It’s not romance. It’s recognition. It’s empathy, held gently.

Denise understood that. Anonymous understood that. And to be honest, those two acts of understanding have made the quiet release of this story feel far less solitary.

To both of them—thank you. You made this quiet story feel heard. And to anyone else who finds themselves in the pages, welcome. You don’t need to explain yourself here.