"The Gentle Seduction" - Science Fiction Short Story by Marc Stiegler
By
JumpCrisscross
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
This is the beginning of Marc Stiegler's science fiction short story "The Gentle Seduction," first published in Analog Magazine in 1989. The story introduces a relationship between a computer worker and a nature-loving woman who works with trees and flowers near Mount Rainier. The narrative explores their contrasting personalities and the initial stages of their connection, with the man being described as smart and interesting while the woman feels more "normal." The story appears to be a philosophical science fiction piece about human relationships and technology.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledHe worked with computers; she worked with trees, and the flowers that took hold on the sides of the Mountain.
She was surprised that he was interested in her. He was so smart; she was so ... normal.
One day they walked through the mist of a gray day by the Mountain. The forest here on the edge of Rainier glowed in the mist.
He was interesting; he always said something new and different; he was nice.
She was 25. He was older, almost 33; sometimes, Jack seemed very old indeed.
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