I find bewildered enjoyment is often the best kind.

Yeah I read it as a meta story. Vladimir being playful with the reader and all who overanalyze art. It had very honest pathos but there are academic types who would read this 100 times trying to justify every detail when it very well could be purposefully obscure/random. The first time I read this I thought that the son was dead and this was their way of coping. As if they'd showed up quite a few times wondering how their son was doing and the nurse who they disliked kept giving them an excuse that would turn them away. Something of a dance of dishonesty. And maybe this is right before they face the truth that he's gone.

@@geordiejones5618 Personally, I didn't think the son was actually dead but I think they feared he was dead and thus their hesitation at picking up the phone, but then the call becomes another metaphor for not being able to get through to someone. . . The story at times seems heart achingly sad, but ultimately I believe this couple has found meaning for their lives through their unconditional love for their son

​@@kumaridesilva3992yeah I really enjoy the equal part hope and dread Nabokov is able to convey. Like I said I view it more as a meta text after multiple reads/listens, the details really do feel like they're supposed to mirror what the son is supposed to be feeling, but the pathos is very raw and honest which makes it feel impactful even if it's supposed to be cheeky toward any reader who wants to extract more than that.

Who is Charlie? Bro I'm totally confused 😕

First in comments, first in the hearts of his countrymen.

This guy's Russian. This guy's a bot. Nabokov fled bots like this guy.

Sources telling me Putin altering American minds through coded messages in KZfaq narrations. I am attempting to infiltrate these circles and expose them.

The implication of the last late night phone call is that the staff of the sanitarium have called to tell them that their son has committed suicide before they have the chance to bring him home.

@@cappilay3096 thank you - i didn't understand it either.

@@cappilay3096 this is debated

Why Charlie?

Not sure if this is an insult or a compliment but I like it nonetheless. Thanks.

@@TheeLandstander compliment , you spooky voiced bro!

@@africanelectron751 Nabocov's work is spooky yes. But the narrator's voice is endearing. His English is consistent, and his tone echos the feeling almost exactly.