Long Walk to Forever

by Bryan Harnetiaux (Adapter), Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (Story)

Newt and Catharine had grown up next door to each other. There had always been playful, comfortable warmth between them, but never any talk of love. Now, Newt is in the army and Catharine is back home, about to marry Henry Stewart Chasens. Word of the impending wedding galvanizes Newt into action. Realizing that he loves Catharine, Newt goes AWOL from the army and hitchhikes home to see her. Meanwhile, Catharine makes final preparations for the marriage—secure in her love for Henry Stewart Chasens—and anxiously awaits the sensible and comfortable life to follow. When Newt arrives back home, he convinces Catharine to take a walk in the nearby woods, as they used to do when children. Deep in these woods Newt and Catharine must resolve whether this is a short walk for old-times' sake or a Long Walk to Forever. Clearly, this is one of Mr. Vonnegut's most lyrical stories, a subtle and cautionary tale examining his familiar theme of personal values versus social mores.

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Fiction, Drama, American

20 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[emelie!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful plays I've ever read.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story full of simple passion and simple gestures among two people in love.

[Sammie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to read this short story.

[Jeanea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hello, Catharine," he said.
"Hello, Newt," she said.
"I love you," he said.
"I know," she said.
"Too late," he said.
"Too late," she said.

[ells · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, enchanting little story. Truly captivating

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEST ROMANCE EVER!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful short story! I read this when it was given as a school requirement for Literature. The simplicity of the life back then. It's simply breathtaking <3

[Amropali · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're into romance, you'd like it.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

just about the sweetest story.

[Val Bayhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long walk to forever, indeed.