After graduation, Arthur becomes a math professor and is proud to be doing research that only about 20 people in the world would be able to understand. Hugh -- who is married and operates a large farm -- visits him occasionally. Arthur sends Hugh a few brief postcards each year and sends annual gifts to Hugh's son. Clearly, Hugh and Arthur seem more like old acquaintances than good friends. That's why it is so sad at the end of the story when it is revealed that Arthur views Hugh as his best (perhaps only) friend.

I was saddened by the idea that people may really perceive mathematicians this way. In fact, Hugh says of Arthur at one point:

This suggests that all mathematicians are like Arthur.

Presumably, this story is using the stereotype of the introverted mathematician to create an emotionally potent tale. And, it probably is true that mathematicians tend to be somewhat introverted (statistically speaking). Nevertheless, I assure you that the character of Arthur is an extreme exaggeration. Of the many mathematicians I know, none are as isolated as him. They have spouses and families and friends, and the mathematical community itself.

If I put aside my fear that it reflects badly on mathematicians in general, I must admit that I found this story to be well-written and moving. (It was designed to make the reader sad, and it definitely achieved that goal in my case.)

This very short story was published in the collection Tiny Tales: Stories of Romance, Ambition, Kindness, and Happiness by the author best known for the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.