Something More

His eyes are neither sapphires nor quartzes,
or anything so precious.
Not bright, not rare, but normal, almost even glum.
They’re simply eyes.
Too plain to be a prophecy, 
But too real for any mythology.

His hair is neither gilt nor kissed by any summer sun.
Like camp grass, 
damp with rain, 
uncombed and unstyled.

I tease it, mock it, swear I don’t adore.
But why do I still stare? Why do I look for more?

I like to hear him speak,
Though sweeter voices fill the air.
Some glide like polished marble, 
While his is jagged, messy, everywhere.

he mis spells Evere singl wOrd.
Tumbles phrases in tragic ways.
And writes like punctuation doesn’t exist these days. 

But after all I’ve said, 
My bitter lines, my teenage pride, 
His image still clings in my head.

For though he is no “darling bud”, no perfect metaphor, 
There’s a warmth in him I can't quite ignore.

The way his eyes seemed to sparkle when he met mine, 
The way his hair haloed in the glazing gym,
The way his voice rang on my phone

During those vast midnight calls, 
The way we would laugh at each other’s daunting grammar, 
Though doubtless, we knew what the other meant.

I compare him not to stars,
Nor gems in perfect performance,
But to the warmth that heals old scars.

And now 
After all the shade and all the rules,
I can’t deny it quietly anymore 
He’s not just another crush
Not just another juvenile “like” or a sixteen year old’s spontaneous affection 

He’s

Something 

More 

And that’s all the confession I need.
No rough winds, or reason’s might 
Can shake that stubborn summer’s glow.
 

Olivia Analyzes Daniel Shen's "November Rain"

Daniel Shen’s short story, November Rain is about two teenagers with terminal illness who find comfort in each other’s company on a hospital rooftop. Rather than overdramatizing the situation, Shen presents their relationship at a slow, natural, human pace, making the emotional impact grow naturally. The story is not about shocking events or exaggerated romance, but focuses on quiet and real change. Shen achieves this by using a few of John Truby’s storytelling concepts effectively. Especially dramatic code, character’s true choice, and character web. 

The dramatic code of November Rain is subtle but purposeful. Unlike action stories, this story flows in a gentle and almost underrated arc that reflects Jaime’s emotional state. The plot does not move forward by major conflicts, but by rooftop conversations that slowly deepen Jamie’s connection with the girl and his own feelings. Shen’s pacing is gradual, allowing readers to sit with the characters’ emotions rather than rushing through them. The slow progression of the girl and Jaimie and their rooftop conversations makes the absence of her figure even more impactful. When Jaime returns to the rooftop alone, the emotional arc completes itself not by resolution, but by acceptance. This curve makes the story feel realistic and emotionally grounded, and not contrived or unnatural. 

Jaime’s true choice comes through near the end after the girl’s death. Instead of avoiding the rooftop forever or pretending she never existed, Jaime straightforwardly confronts his past memories. This shows immense growth. Earlier in the story, Jaime hides behind music and silence, but this time, he engages with grief himself. When Jaime leaves the pudding cups or and writes lyrics on the rooftop, it shows how he is learning to remember without endlessly reminiscing about them. The line “I don't know how many days I have left. Still not counting” shows his loss of obsession over time, and he started to focus on moments. This marks his emotional maturity. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting; what it really means is accepting reality, but also still honoring what they had. This choice of letting go makes Jaime the true hero of the story. 

Shen also builds a meaningful character web that reinforces the core theme of isolation and connection. Jaime’s parents, who only appear at the beginning, have polar roles. His father is controlling and masculine, while his mother is fearful and passive. After the hospital visit, they disappear from the story, showing how Jaimie does not rely on them. In contrast, the girl becomes his emotional support. How she does not tell her name emphasises the temporality of their bond, making it more fragile and meaningful. When she dies, Jaime stops writing and loses motivation, showing how his emotional state is intertwined with her presence. Through these relationships, Shen shows how Jaimie’s growth comes not from defeating his enemy, but from learning how to live with loss. 

Ultimately, November Rain is a quiet, emotionally restrained story about connection, loss, and letting go. Shen’s pacing and unfinished feeling made the story feel more realistic than overdramatic. By using Truby’s concepts, Shen allows the readers to experience Jaime’s emotional growth naturally. This story changed how I think about letting go. It's not about forgetting someone, but it's about how to carry their memory forward. November rain is sad, calm, and hopeful. If you’re interested in a natural romance, check it out HERE!!