"The Queen of Bad Influences," by Jim Shepard
Briefly

Constance's childhood was marked by debilitating shyness, leading her to find solace in the scent of gorse she called "honey-bottle." Her mother's frustration with Constance's social awkwardness compounded her difficulties, fostering a sense of alienation. While her sisters embraced social norms, Constance felt disconnected from joyful experiences like birthday parties and games. Despite her timid nature, she emerged into a confident young woman, reflecting on societal pressures and the contrasting confidence of her peers. Her journey reveals the tension between personal struggles and familial expectations amid the search for self-identity.
Constance, despite a childhood filled with debilitating shyness, grasped onto the scent of gorse as a comfort and navigated the complexities of growing up.
Navigating social situations was a struggle for Constance, who found solace in the lingering scent of honey-bottle while managing her profound diffidence.
Read at The New Yorker
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