"The Dead" A Short Story by James Joyce.

Regarded by many as one of the best short stories ever written. "James Joyce's short story "The Dead," set in early 20th century Dublin, revolves around Gabriel Conroy and his wife Gretta, attending an annual Epiphany party hosted by Gabriel's aunts. Throughout the evening, Gabriel experiences a series of minor social mishaps and ponders his life and Irish identity. The story reaches its emotional climax when Gretta shares the melancholic memory of her first love, Michael Furey, who died young. This revelation causes Gabriel to feel a profound sense of loss and disconnection, not only from his wife but from his own life and mortality.