Encounters

Social mores change from year to year, but one thing remains constant: conflict between people results from differing perceptions, often between men and women and between different generations. In each story, characters confront a variety of personal and professional problems and must either compromise or adjust to new circumstances. In The Painting, a young married womans deceit catches up to her. Doc Brunner tells the story of a pastor facing a series of interrelated problems during World War II. In Harry, music from long ago evokes powerful memories.

Representing a wide range of age groups and set in many different time periods, these stories show that, while times change and circumstances differ, conflict and resolution in human relationships is an ageless cycle.