In his minimalist short story Save as Many as You Ruin, British author Simon Van Booy comments on the human concept of fate and how a series of random lives events can bring out the feeling of inevitability. The story is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator who is closely related to Gerard, the main character, and has great insight into his past, thoughts and feelings. Therefore, the actual plot of the story is supported by Gerard's continuous stream of consciousness which allows the reader to always know what he is thinking. In the first part of the story, Gerard is walking around New York City. This serves as an introduction to Gerard's way of thinking and, more importantly, the past events that have shaped him as a person. The actual plot is sparse and doesn't begin until Gerard spots his old flame, Laurel, through a store window. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayGerard is a man of a great contemplative nature. His thoughts reveal that he thinks deeply about everything and associates and connects things he has experienced. His thought flows are associative as he jumps from one idea to another, revealing a complex inner life in which he is constantly aware of himself and his surroundings. At the beginning of the story, as Gerard walks the streets of New York as night falls, the sight of his footprints in the snow conjures up a vivid image of an indigenous American who once dwelt in the forests and became Manhattan. Shortly thereafter, Gerard's mind wanders and contemplates the fleeting nature of his own existence; “Gerard thinks about his footprints and how soon they will disappear. He exhales into the world and his breath disappears (...) He wonders if his life is extraordinary.” Among other things, it is contemplations like these that give the story an air of melancholy. The atmosphere is generally dark, as Gerard seems to be haunted by a slight Weltschmerz due to the disappearance of Issy, the mother of his child, and his separation from Laurel, the only woman he has ever loved. However, when his daughter Lucy crosses his mind, Gerard “feels overwhelming love” – a powerful image that reveals his excruciatingly strong attachment to the little girl. To make up for his past problematic relationships with women, Gerard is confident in his devotion to his son, one of the few things in life that makes him happy. He decided to be a good single father. Furthermore, the symbolism of time adds to the tale's inherent sense of nostalgia and despondency. As Gerard wanders the city, it gets cold and snow falls, creating the perfect backdrop for a nostalgic stroll tinged with sadness. However, when Laurel and Gerard are about to leave the store, the weather has turned into a freezing blizzard from which they have to seek refuge in a taxi, which helps move the story forward. In contrast to the silently falling snow, a blizzard creates a sense of drama, which fits Gerard's emotional response to his reunion with Laurel. At the same time, when you're inside and watch a blizzard rage through a window, it can be strangely calming, inspiring a tender closeness with loved ones. Fittingly enough, Gerard and Laurel make love next to scented candles burning during the blizzard. Van Booy also uses the symbol of footprints throughout the story. Footprints left by people in sand or snow have become common symbols of the physical impact humans leave on Earth. Gerard is concerned about his legacy which he sees as short-lived and, most likely, ordinary. The reference to the film The Man.