Miriam (Capote short story, English) Add a review

"Miriam" is a horror fiction short story written by Truman Capote. It was originally published in the June 1945 issue of Mademoiselle. "Miriam" was one of Capote's first published short stories, and in 1946 it earned an O. Henry Award in the category Best First-Published Story.

The story is set in New York City. It starts with the elderly widow Miriam who lives in social isolation in her apartment. While visiting a movie theater, she meets a young girl also named Miriam. The girl asks for the older woman's help in buying a ticket, and the two part ways after the favor is performed.

A week later, the elder Miriam is visited at home by the girl. The girl demands a meal, and asks for a gift. The elder woman reluctantly obeys. When the girl demands a goodnight kiss, the woman refuses and the girl leaves. The following day, the girl enters the home without having permission to do so. The girl announces that she is moving into the apartment. The woman asks a neighbor for help, but the man sees no girl. At the end of the story, the woman and the mysterious girl are staring at each other. One of them offers a greeting, but it is left unclear which one.