Nacre's Promise

Chapter XXXX : Sant Llorenç del Munt

Matadepera, 1915.

Passing the heavy doors that had been unlocked for him, the visitor walked briskly down the vast gravel path. He was in a light mood, not knowing what it was to do. The weather was very nice, the air was just cool enough not to suffer from the heaviness of his travel clothes, and he felt good.

— May this day be sweet to you, my brother, he said, coming to the end of the aisle. What are the news?

— Thank you, may she be gentle on you as well! Come and rest in the refectory in front of a cold drink, especially after this long walk from the plain. Nothing has changed here since you left. We still hope, but there is no improvement.

— Yes, I am happy to follow you. I would be happy to have a little snack. I haven't been able to swallow anything since yesterday, the trip has been so hectic.

— Come, my friend, and tell me. I have already prepared everything in the refectory because I was expecting your arrival soon.

— Oh, that's perfect, thank you. But what a story! Do you know that I had to wait several hours before the train could start? A technical problem, apparently. And what discomfort, in the future I would still prefer to travel by sleigh, or even on horseback, then to relive this experience! But it is over now, I am happy to be with you for six months and I hope to be able to assist you in your tasks.

— With great pleasure, my brother, you are at home here, stay as long as you want.

The two men were entering the refectory when the clock struck noon.

The monastery of Sant Llorenç del Munt, built on the side of a rocky outcrop since the 10th century, was occupied by the order of the hermits of Saint Augustine. This mendicant order followed the twelve rules of its founder, the first being Love of God and neighbor as well as the union of hearts and the community of goods. This place of meditation and prayer sometimes received visitors who came to enjoy the beauty of the site and to test their faith through a favorable isolation.

One of the boarders at the time could only enjoy the benefits of his stay from his bed. He was not even conscious, but had been vigilant night and day since he was discovered, more dead than alive, at the foot of the retaining wall of the church.

His condition had been deemed so critical that the Father Superior had even administered Extreme Unction to him.

Brother Armando had taken care of him since his arrival. He had undergone medical training, so his companions friendly called him the doctor-priest and relied on him for care and potions.

This resident had moved the community so much that a young monk regularly came from Barcelona to follow the progress of the health of the stranger of Matadepera.

— How has it evolved since my previous visit? inquired Brother Constantine.

— Alas, it is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, his condition has not changed much since he is still in an almost vegetative state. He has been there for almost ten months, which explains why his physical injuries have completely healed. It is not known, however, if he will be able to walk, or even stand up if he wakes up one day. He was so touched that nothing allows me to consider him.

— Lord God, what sadness! But then, how can you feed it? How does he swallow if he's unconscious?

— Well, see, it's because of one of my inventions. He does not really eat, we give him water, mashed meat and vegetables as well as dairy products, using a flexible hose, in intertwined vegetable fibers, that I made and that I managed to get it into his mouth and that ends up directly in his stomach, Armando explained.