Actually I’ve read this little sparkling gem for five years in a row,and will have been reading until I have memorized the whole passages.Let me add this;this is one of Haruki Murakami’s favs,and his Japanese translation is great!Good stories easily leap beyond the barrier of languages.It’s an undeniable fact.

This story was tucked into a version of Breakfast at Tiffany's I read years ago. I know some reviewers have commented on the sadness of it-and it is very sad in places-but whatever you do, don't let that dissuade you from seeking this story out. It's also funny in places and may be the greatest thing Capote ever wrote. It tells the Depression era story of a boy named Buddy who is largely neglected by his relatives. Luckily, he has an older female relative who is an outcast herself and their unique friendship (in particular, how they gather ingredients and make their traditional fruitcakes for their friends one Christmas) is the basis of the story.

I once saw this performed live and it was amazing. Geez, now I'm crying just thinking about it (I also remember I forgot to turn off my Blackberry and it rang during the show. I rightfully felt like a giant a-hole. Important safety tip, theatre goers.) This may be my favorite short story of all time. Please find this and read it. It's lovely.

The same characters also appear in a happier story called "The Thanksgiving Visitor." I believe both are in Capote's short story collection.

ETA: I was wrong when I originally wrote this. Capote actually wrote a third story about this character, “One Christmas.” All stories are worth reading. Bring Kleenex.