Here's why:
* Short story: It is a concise narrative with a focused theme and limited characters, typical of the short story format.
* Literary fiction: It explores themes of grief, loss, memory, and family relationships, often in a symbolic and metaphorical way. The story is character-driven and focuses on internal struggles and emotions, which are hallmarks of literary fiction.
However, some critics might also categorize the story as:
* Psychological fiction: It delves into the complex emotions and motivations of the protagonist, highlighting her internal conflicts and struggles to cope with grief.
* Coming-of-age story: The protagonist experiences a significant emotional shift and learns a valuable lesson about life and loss, which is a common theme in coming-of-age narratives.
Ultimately, the specific genre categorization might depend on individual interpretation and the emphasis placed on different aspects of the story.