A forsaken husband with a sick daughter bought a dilapidated house in a small town, but after hearing strange sounds from an old well, he decided to descend. What he saw made his hair stand on end…..

If Olivia is tied to the well, that’s where to deal with her. He bought salt, holy water from the only active church in the nearby town, and prepared for another descent into the well. In the evening, with Sophie at Aunt Vera’s, Nicholas headed to the well again.

The sounds started on approach—not crying this time, but something like a song. Quiet, mesmerizing melody, without words. At the well awaited a surprise.

The iron cover was fully shifted, and weak bluish glow came from the depths. And Olivia began telling. At first reluctantly, then freer.

She spoke of Victor not as a betrayer, but as the young man she loved. About his laugh, how he read her poems under the old oak, plans they made together. He wanted to be a teacher, she said, tears streaming down her transparent cheeks.

Dreamed of opening a school for rural kids. And me? I wanted to help him. Wanted our own children.

Nicholas listened, and gradually unfolded not a story of betrayal, but of two young people who sincerely loved but couldn’t cope with circumstances. And what happened then? Why did he choose another? Olivia paused, as if gathering strength. Her parents were richer.

Had connections in the city, could get him a good job. And me? I had nothing. Only love.

And he chose gain over love. He… He told me it was temporary.

Would marry her, get the position, then we’d be together. As lovers. Olivia’s voice trembled with pain.

He didn’t understand he was offering me to become what I never wanted. Nicholas began to understand. Victor wasn’t a villain; he was weak, trying to have it all, not thinking of consequences.

And Olivia? Olivia was a young girl for whom love was everything. I refused, she continued. Said if he marries another, it’s over between us.

Thought he’d come to senses, choose me. But he… He chose her.

And you decided to end it. I decided I couldn’t live without him. Better die than live with this pain.

Olivia raised her eyes to Nicholas. I was a fool. Young, stupid fool.

You were a person who loved too much. Yes, and that love killed me. And then? Then it didn’t give me peace.

Nicholas felt they were approaching the most important. Olivia, tell me honestly. Do you still love him? She was silent long, then slowly nodded: yes.

Hate and love at once. Can’t choose one. And do you know what became of him? Olivia shook her head.

For 15 years underground, she didn’t know what happened in the living world. He lived an unhappy life, Nicholas said softly. Aunt Vera told.

Married that girl, got a job in the city. But family didn’t work. Wife turned capricious and cruel, no children.

Job brought no joy. Olivia listened without interrupting. And he never forgot you.

Every year, on the day of your death, came here and brought flowers to the well. Until his own death. He…

He died. Olivia whispered. 5 years ago.

Heart failed. They say last words were about you. Asked forgiveness.

Olivia sobbed quietly, hopelessly. And with her tears, something began changing around. The bluish glow from her became softer, warmer.

And Sophie, who stood motionless all this time, suddenly blinked and looked around confused. «Dad? What am I doing here?» She asked in a normal, lively voice. Nicholas felt incredible relief.

The bond between Olivia and Sophie weakened. «So he suffered too,» said Olivia. «We both suffered.

All for nothing. Not for nothing. You loved each other.

Just couldn’t preserve it. And now too late to change anything. For you two—yes.

But you can release this pain. Can forgive him and yourself.» Olivia raised her head and looked at Nicholas: and what will happen to me if I let go? What will remain of me without this pain? Love will remain.

Pure, without grudge impurities. The very love you felt at the beginning, when you didn’t know of betrayal yet. But then I’ll have to go.

Forever. Yes. But you’ll go in peace…