The Men in the Mudwoman’s Life

There were three men in her life - her father, her friend, her lover.

Her father, Konrad saw her potential. He guided her through the years, from childhood to
adulthood. In her unacquainted years and being young in age, he introduced her to books. In her
doubting moments and entering a new chapter of her life, he reinforced her. When she was
young, he inspired her. When she was doubting, he enlightened her. He was faithful. He never
let go of the daughter he brought home from the slums.

Then there was Kroll, the friend. An acquaintance. He never crossed the line of friendship,
though he became intimate. He never exceeded giving, though he was generous. He never
asked anything in return, though he remembered. He was the control that kept Meredith on her
knowledge. He was the friend that kept Meredith cautious.

Then there was Andre, her lover. The boy that made her giddy. The man that made her
vulnerable. The other self that made her a woman.

Reference
“Mudwoman” by Joyce Carol Oates. 2012. HarperCollins Publishers, New York, USA.