The Hermit by Carmen Sylva (1987)
A weary figure ascends into the mountains seeking solace from her sorrow. In a secluded spot, she encounters a hermit, a man burdened by his past. He recounts a tragic tale of love, jealousy, and loss. Once a strong and industrious man, he married a beautiful woman named Marie, and they had a joyful life together with their son. However, the return of a rejected suitor ignites jealousy within him, leading to a series of misunderstandings and emotional turmoil. His irrational behavior culminates in a tragic accident where he inadvertently causes his son's death. Consumed by guilt and despair, he isolates himself in the mountains, seeking Rest but finding only sorrow. The hermit reveals that he has not found peace, as his memories of happiness are overshadowed by the pain of his actions. As he finishes his story, the figure of Sorrow listens with empathy. In a moment of grace, Rest appears, soothing the hermit’s anguish and bringing a sense of calm to his tormented soul. Sorrow departs, reflecting on the hermit's fate, leaving behind the weight of her own sorrow as she continues her journey through the night.
By Carmen Sylva · First published 1987 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Mystery