The Language of Quiet Things
a completed novella, developed in our Cinema Therapy program
For three decades, Clifford has roamed Montana’s Bitterroot Range, capturing award-winning images of the natural world. The wilderness is his cathedral—its light, its creatures, its magnificent silence. But when his wife, Martha, is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, their world begins to shift.
Long frightened by the isolation Clifford loves, Martha seeks a new beginning closer to care and community. Clifford reluctantly agrees to leave their remote home. But while Martha adapts to her uncertain future, Clifford longs for one more adventure. Pursuing an extraordinarily rare elk, he ventures deep into the mountains for the photograph of a lifetime.
Then everything goes wrong.
The Language of Quiet Things is a gripping story of love, survival, and the fragile balance between independence and devotion. As two people confront forces beyond their control, they must discover whether courage lies in venturing into the unknown or learning to face it together.
Author: Wayne Rich
The Language of Quiet Things is my first fictional story. It’s a novella about a long-married couple, still deeply in love, but with different feelings about their stations in life. The introduction of a progressive disease with no cure requires each of them to face truths about themselves and their marriage that had been previously denied or ignored.
The story has turned out to be a metaphor for decisions required in my own Parkinson's journey. My journey in writing this story is multi-faceted: First, I didn’t know these characters or their story at all when we started. I had no idea I would find so much of me in them as the story developed. The process of engaging in this work and the mirror of fiction helped me see myself more clearly.
It wouldn’t have happened without the support of YAX (Yes and X). This nonprofit is devoted to helping people with Parkinson's disease and their caretaking partners meet their inner self through improvisation and Success Stories™. YAX has added vibrant colors, community and purpose to my journey with Parkinson’s.
– Wayne Rich
Join us on Friday, Oct. 16 at 1p pacific to hear excerpts from the novel and celebrate Wayne's heroic journey to becoming a first-time author.
All are welcome. Click here to register.
