Logo for A Thief for Grandma — a Tiny Love Story by Robert Pierosh, published in The New York Times Modern Love column.

Robert Pierosh’s story, A Thief for Grandma, has been published in The New York TimesModern Love column as part of its Tiny Love Stories series.

These ultra-short memoirs—each under 100 words—aim to capture a moment that reveals something deeper about love in its many forms. Pierosh’s contribution reflects on a small but lasting childhood memory involving his grandmother. With warmth, honesty, and a touch of mischief, the piece pays tribute to the emotional weight that even the simplest moments can carry.

“The challenge was to capture a full memory—something meaningful and true—in under 100 words,” Pierosh says. “It was like solving a puzzle: tricky, surprising, and deeply satisfying when it finally clicked into place.”

Modern Love has long been a favorite section of The New York Times, and Pierosh is honored to have his work included in its legacy of intimate, personal storytelling.

Read A Thief for Grandma