O. Henry’s Short Story, ‘While the Auto Waits’

Pretending to be someone you’re not ruins the chance for a real relationship.

A white automobile waits for a passenger in O. Henry's story, "While the Auto Waits." byvalet/Shutterstock

In his short story, “While the Auto Waits,” O. Henry shows what happens when people can’t connect with each other. When a young lady meets a young man in the park, they both put on a façade, masking who they really are.

Sincerity and openness can nurture real and long-lasting relationships, but the characters in this story pretended to be what they weren’t, and things didn’t end as they wished.

An Evening in the Park

A young lady arrives at the city park to read. She does not at first notice the young man nearby, but he has noticed her the past few nights in the same spot. She drops her book, and he finally sees his chance to meet her.