by Lydia Millet
First published 2022
An Arizona man finds himself drawn to the family living next door, whose home features an entire wall made of glass. This transparent barrier becomes a window into their lives, creating an intimate yet distant connection that pulls him into their world. As relationships deepen, he navigates the complex terrain of attraction, friendship, and loss while observing the intricate patterns of desert life around him. The glass wall serves as both invitation and obstacle, revealing how people connect across physical and emotional distances. Millet weaves together human drama with the natural world, exploring whether individuals can truly make meaningful change in an overwhelming society. The story examines fundamental questions about goodness and responsibility through one man's attempts to understand his place among both neighbors and the broader community of living things. Set against the stark beauty of the Arizona desert, this tale captures the delicate balance between isolation and connection, showing how even small acts of care can ripple outward in unexpected ways.
Genres: nature, literary-fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, intimate-distance
Setting: Arizona
Audio CD · Dreamscape Media