Reunion by John Taylor

About Reunion:

 "Reunion" is a short story by W. St. John Taylor that explores the themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The story follows the protagonist, an unnamed man who is returning to his hometown of Oxford after many years away.

As he walks through the familiar streets, the protagonist is struck by the many changes that have taken place since he left. Buildings that were once familiar have been replaced by new structures, and the people he once knew are either gone or unrecognizable. Despite these changes, the protagonist is filled with a sense of nostalgia for the past, and he begins to reminisce about his youth and the people he once knew.

The protagonist's thoughts are interrupted by the appearance of an old friend, Richard, who he hasn't seen in many years. Richard is also struck by the changes in Oxford, but unlike the protagonist, he is more interested in the present than the past. Richard is eager to show the protagonist the new developments in the town, including a new library and an art center. However, the protagonist is more interested in revisiting the places of his youth, and he asks Richard to take him to his old boarding house.

When they arrive at the boarding house, the protagonist is disappointed to find that it has been converted into a store. However, he is heartened to see that the building still retains some of its old features, such as the original sign that hangs above the entrance. As he looks at the sign, the protagonist is flooded with memories of his youth and the people he once knew.

The story ends with the protagonist and Richard parting ways, with the protagonist remaining in Oxford to continue his journey down memory lane. The story suggests that while the past cannot be recaptured, memories can be a source of comfort and inspiration, and that even in the midst of change, some things can endure.

Overall, "Reunion" is a poignant and reflective story that captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The protagonist's return to Oxford is a reminder that the passage of time can bring both loss and gain, and that the memories of the past can serve as a way to bridge the gap between the two.