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056503

Frances's FaceAuthor: Arishima Takeo

Original Title フランセスの顔
Author 有島 武郎
Genre Modern Short Fiction
Author Type Male Author
Summary Nestled in the heart of a vibrant countryside, young Frances, known to all as Fanny, embodies the untamed spirit of nature itself. Her world is one of golden cornfields, blossoming roses, and uninhibited joy—a world observed and cherished by a recurring visitor. But as the seasons shift, so too does Fanny. A visit from an elegant city woman ignites a spark of self-consciousness, and a fateful encounter in an apple orchard forces a poignant confrontation with her burgeoning womanhood. The narrator, once captivated by her untouched innocence, watches helplessly as Fanny retreats behind a veil of newfound reserve. What happens when the harsh realities of human perception begin to etch their lines upon a face once radiant with pure, youthful abandon?