The story revolves around a meeting between two former friends who have been estranged for many years. The narrator, a middle-aged man, reflects on his past and the events that led to their separation. As he recalls, they were once close friends, but their friendship was disrupted by a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications. The narrator's wife had died, and his friend had not been supportive during this difficult time. The meeting takes place in a small town where the narrator has moved to escape his past. His friend arrives unexpectedly, and they engage in a tense conversation that reveals the depth of their emotional wounds. Throughout the story, the narrator grapples with feelings of guilt, regret, and resentment towards his friend. He struggles to come to terms with the fact that their friendship was not as strong as he had thought it was. Ultimately, the meeting ends in disappointment and disillusionment for both characters. The narrator is left to ponder the what-ifs of their past and the consequences of their actions.
By Vsevolod Garshin · First published 1884 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary