Response to Alyssa's "The Nose"

Out of all the student-made stories I've read in class this semester thus far, I would like to give the "Most Engaging Introduction Award" to Alyssa. The introduction of the main character was fabulous, as was his dedication to his bike, and what that bike represented. It was the perfect setup for rich character and plot development.
Cheryl's reaction to the motorcycle incident was dead-on. Of course a wife would be concerned for her husband's health, but a wife is also concerned that her husband would come out of an accident alive, but looking like a monster. Appearances are important, even in relationships that have been secure for years.
Cheryl's decision to sell the bike and lie to her husband would have not had the same effect on me, as a reader, without the narrative addition of, "that was the sentence that deceased a solid marriage." Although I feel Alyssa could make that sentence come out a little smoother, the idea is there, and it's an important one.
I had read the earlier version of this story, and am extremely pleased with the new additions. In the earlier version, I felt the characters lacked wholeness, but the addition of the motorcycle issue alongside the background we get on Cheryl and Benjamin really improves the story. I also like the ending more -- not with a death, but with a rebirth, of sorts.
I love the development of the relationship between husband and wife. At first, their marriage was centered around the object of a motorcycle. That object changes into Ben's nose. Using these symbols as markers of the couple's various stages of their relationship is totally realistic; people get caught up on things and markers of things all the time.
And, as corny as this may sound, I really liked the ending, when the husband realizes he's been a fool and apologizes to his wife. Her reaction is priceless, too.
Overall, I am wholeheartedly impressed with this story. I have seen so, so much improvement in Alyssa's works. I am extremely satisfied.