Long time Quote by Melissa Bank
““Well," I said, "I have to go." He said, "Can I call you?" I waited a long time before answering, though not, of course, as long as he'd made me wait. I let him stand there with the question in the air while I took a good long look at him, let him stand there while I stepped to the street and raised my arm for a cab. At exactly that moment, as though dispatched by some god I didn't really believe in anymore - the god of drama or god of perfect things - or maybe by my own fairy god god, a cab came. I got in, and closed the door.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Little Death”, 1994
A narrator uses a mundane interaction to highlight how fate or coincidence can intervene at a crucial moment, turning a simple decision into a dramatic escape.
In simple terms: Unexpected help appears at a key moment.
Key Takeaway
Notice how small choices can trigger big changes.
Themes
chance
timing
agency
drama
fate
Mood
reflective
wry
hopeful
Type
anecdotal
conversational
When to use this quote
- waiting for a call
- deciding to leave
- catching a cab
- seeking independence
Key Concepts
Narrative irony
social interaction
urban life
Questions to Reflect On
- Did you ever experience a sudden, unexpected solution?
- How do you interpret “god of drama” in everyday life?
A Different Perspective
The story may overstate the role of destiny, ignoring personal responsibility.
