Contact, and Other Stories

by Frances Noyes Hart

"Contact and Other Stories" by Frances Noyes Hart is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The opening portion introduces readers to Janet Abbott, a woman grappling with the echoes of a past relationship with a charming aviator named Jerry Langdon, as she navigates her feelings of loss, longing, and the possibility of moving on. The stories likely explore themes of love, heartache, and the profound impact of fleeting moments, reflecting the complexities of human emotion. The opening of "Contact" unfolds in a serene London drawing room where Janet is staying with her sister-in-law, Rosemary. As she reflects on her past letters to Jerry, the emotional weight of their relationship floods in—memories of their laughter, promises, and his sudden absence after a tragic accident due to war. The narrative shifts between her tender recollections and her struggle to let go, illustrated by her distinct longing for a connection that she once had. The story foreshadows the tensions between moving forward and the enduring power of love, enhanced by poignant imagery of airplanes and dreams of flight, which resonate deeply with Janet’s memories of Jerry.