Aquis Submersus

A novella written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds primarily through the reminiscences of a young boy as he navigates themes of nostalgia, loss, and the shadow of death in a rural setting, focusing on the past experiences shared with his friend, the pastor’s son, and the haunting presence of a tragic child’s portrait within the village church, which sparks his curiosity and imagination. The opening of the novella sets a reflective tone with the protagonist revisiting the neglected castle garden of his youth, where memories intertwine with the natural landscape. The depiction of the once-vibrant environment contrasts with the eerie remnants of his past, particularly the imposing village church that houses the crucifix and the poignant portrait of a dead child—a source of both fascination and sorrow for the narrator. As he interacts with his friend and grapples with the inscrutable mysteries of life and death encapsulated in the church's imagery, the protagonist’s quest for knowledge about the child's fate hints at deeper inquiries into familial secrets and bygone tragedies, establishing an atmosphere of intrigue and melancholy that permeates the story.