"A Temporary Matter" Response

"A Temporary Matter" had an incredible depressing tone, with things continually getting worse and worse as the story progresses.  Although there seemed to be a bit of hope during their blackout games, this all comes crashing down, making this short story ever more depressing to the reader.  This melancholy, depressing tone helps to convey the theme, that a lack of communication often results in a broken relationship.  While the relationship does seemingly get better after they communicate and play this game, the damage is irreparable.  Their relationship was never to be as strong as it once was, and a separation was inevitable.  This story is so depressing, because it really is so real, and so plausible. Real people experience this type of thing all the time, something that really brings out the magnitude of this situation.  By the end of the story, both Shoba and Shakumar are completely broken individuals.  This is a truly sad story.