Elena's Seclusion

This story was originally published in Day One, a weekly literary journal dedicated to short fiction and poetry from emerging writers.When they met in college, Terry thought that Elena was merely shy. But what started as social anxiety evolved over the years. Now Elena’s agoraphobia and paranoia have taken over both their lives. As Terry struggles to care for his dependent wife, he watches as his own world shrinks bit by bit.One summer afternoon, Elena lies down for a nap and doesn’t get up. Devoted Terry is distraught over his wife’s death, and although he would never admit it—not even to himself—he’s perhaps a little relieved. Yet it seems that Elena hasn’t fully realized that she is dead, and Terry is left trying to understand this new, disturbing predicament. Chillingly relatable, Elena’s Seclusion explores the boundary between loving and smothering, guilt and responsibility, selflessness and self-delusion.Revised edition: This edition of Elena's Seclusion includes editorial revisions.

About the Author

Lydia Fazio Theys writes all the time—technical and marketing writing for a living, fiction because she wants to, and letters of complaint because someone has to. Trained as a scientist, she crossed over to the wordy side pretty early on and happily remained. Her creative writing encompasses short stories, flash fiction, humor, and narrative nonfiction. It has appeared in a variety of online and print publications, been read on public radio, and used as an inspiration for a dance by a professional dance theater. Currently, she is working on a novel as well as a pair of screenplays. She lives in Woodbridge, Connecticut.

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