The story follows Albinus, a prosperous and well-respected man living in Berlin who seemingly had it all—wealth, happiness, and a stable life. However, his decision to leave his wife for a younger mistress leads him down a path of unreciprocated love and ultimately to a tragic end. This brief account encapsulates the essence of his life and choices.

While the summary presents a concise view of Albinus's fate, the author emphasizes the importance of storytelling in revealing the complexities and nuances of a person's life. A mere inscription on a gravestone may suffice as a summary, but the richness of one’s experiences and the lessons learned create a more compelling narrative.