Why did she leave with that man!! The whole description of him and his interactions with Connie creeped me out - how he was pretending to be her age when he was clearly much older - how he knew all this information about her and her family. I read online that this story was inspired by a series of murders in the southwest. I also enjoyed reading up on what some of the theories are surrounding the meaning of the "code" 33 19 17.
This is one of the best short stories (or stories in general) that I have ever read. The tension just builds and builds without any overt signs of danger. I liked the way that the story is timeless, but very much set in a particular time. I also liked that the back story of the family fit in to try and help us see why Connie was in such a need of escape that she went with Arnold Friend.
I read online that this story was inspired by a series of murders in the southwest. I also enjoyed reading up on what some of the theories are surrounding the meaning of the "code" 33 19 17.