Response

[Alex]

Prior to reading “The Water That Falls On You From Nowhere,” by John Chu I had no initial understanding in which direction this story would take me. I began to try to receive some sort of indication on what exactly this story would entail, simply by picking apart the title. Although, after reading the beautifully written short story I felt perplexed by the rout the story took, and the amount of realistic challenges the story introduced. The relationship that Matt and Gus had formed was a passionate filled romance that came across as a healthy, working relationship. As I continued reading I began to rapidly absorb Matt and Gus’s growing desire for one another, “I love you, Matt.” Gus’s smile is radiant. He tackles me on the couch and smothers me in a kiss, and at first, I kiss him back. (Chu, 2012) The immense amount of love they expressed towards one another left me, as the reader, almost in a state of jealousy at the intense connection and relationship they had formed together. While Matt and Gus continuously developed this growing passion for one another, Matt struggled to tell his family the truth about their relationship and his interest in men. Matt feared the undesirable opinion and disapproval he assumed his family would make about his choice of lifestyle.
I personally, enjoyed and greatly appreciated this short story and the realistic dilemmas it included. The struggle Matt faced to inform his tightknit family about his sexuality is common phenomenon many individuals face daily. The author kept me intrigued and focused while reading by including such genuine family and relationship difficulties making the story understandable and enjoyable. Although, I felt as though there was a lack of symbolism with the reference to water throughout the story. I was continuously waiting and searching for a direct connection to the story or a powerful message it would end up expressing. This well written story was a highly enjoyable and easy read that kept me, as the reader, hooked from beginning to end.