Themes

Infatuation

The main theme in the short story “Winona Forever” by Leesa Cross-Smith is infatuation. Heather’s feelings for Crystal go a step beyond a simple crush. They are romantic feelings accompanied by a strong physical attraction, and a need to be together and share everything. 

Heather describes her feeling for Crystal as “limerence”. Limerence differs from love in several ways. The most important difference between limerence and love is that in limerence, the object of affection is seen as perfect yet unavailable. The limerent has not confessed their feelings for the person and they are uncertain if the person will reciprocate their feelings. Another important difference is that limerence lasts a couple of years at most. Therefore, from the very beginning, Heather’s obsession with Crystal is defined as temporary. However, the strength of Heather’s passion for Crystal makes her think that it will last forever.

Heather’s feelings for Crystal do not exactly fit the defi...