I've read this short story years ago in a community college class. It is the first work I've read by Willa Cather, whom up to that point I had never heard of her.

Willa Cather's beautiful writing style puts the characters straight into your heart and they stay there as if they're your own people.

The connection I had felt at the time with these characters was so strong that eventually the story broke my heart (not pan intended for those who have read it). I felt the effect for a while, but it wasn't a negative effect, just a human bittersweet sorrow that carries good memories within it -- It is a deeply touching beautiful story.

It's been years, so I don't remember everything, but I remember how I felt about it.