"The Mustache" is a short story by Robert Cormier that revolves around the themes of identity, aging, and confrontation with one's past. The central conflict arises when the protagonist, a teenager named Mike, decides to grow a mustache to assert his maturity and independence. However, his new facial hair leads to a confrontation with his grandmother, who has strong emotional associations with his grandfather's mustache, as it reminds her of him and the family's loss.
The conflict is both internal and external. Internally, Mike grapples with his desire to be seen as an adult while also dealing with the implications of his choices and their emotional impact on his family. Externally, he faces the reaction of his grandmother and the tension that arises from their differing perceptions of the mustache's significance.
Overall, the story explores the complexities of family relationships, the passage of time, and the ways in which personal choices can reverberate through familial bonds.