And, when Aviad read that passage, he had to try hard not to cry, too.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

When the instructor saw that Aviad had put down his pen, she gave him an inquiring look.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

Aviad also thought that it would be good for Maya to get out more, to do something with herself.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

When Maya hesitated about the course, Aviad knew how to persuade her.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

The next Tuesday, when Aviad was supposed to pick her up after the workshop, he arrived half an hour early, parked his car in the lot, and went to find her.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

There was something depressing about that part, Aviad thought.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

Aviad saw how happy that compliment made Maya.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

The instructor, who was supposed to be this well-known writer, even though Aviad had never heard of him, told her that there was something soul-piercing about the banality of the ending, or some other piece of crap.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing

Aviad bought the book of short stories.

NEWYORKER: Creative Writing