The Blossom Tree In Asphalt and Short Stories

A girl from a fairly affluent background, meets another who is living in poor and cramped circumstances. She goes to stay with her, wishing to identify with this friend and escape a domineering mother. The friends husband makes advances to her and she realises the sordidness of her surroundings. She also meets the friends’ brother whom she falls in love with, only to realise he is not up to her standard intellectually. Eventually the friend takes her own life after trying to find peace and not succeeding. The husband is not sympathetic. Back in her own home, she finds contentment after her search in the wrong direction has failed. The blossom tree symbolises hope in the midst of hopeless circumstances.