The Altar of the Dead

The protagonist, Stransom, grapples with profound grief and the weight of memories surrounding the anniversary of Mary Antrim's death, his lost love. This date binds him, overshadowing his life and preventing him from moving forward. Despite the passage of time, her absence remains a haunting presence, shaping his existence. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of unfulfilled potential, as Stransom reflects on a future that was never realized and the emotional toll of his solitary remembrance.