This is the story of Carmen, a salesperson who has experienced a series of failures in her career. Despite her success in luring customers with enticing offers and rewards, Carmen feels uncertain about her abilities. She admits to committing sins, destroying lives, and fostering illusions in her pursuit of a better life and the allure of money and fame. She acknowledges betraying her colleagues and takes responsibility for their downfall. Carmen invites the reader to experience her sins vicariously. Carmen's biggest sin is believing she had escaped her past. She recalls a time when she lived in a small shed on the property of a person named "The Bodach." From her hidden vantage point, Carmen observes the interactions between The Bodach and the villagers, who express suspicion and distrust towards him. Old Mrs. McAllister mentions The Bodach's peculiar behavior of talking to birds, while Miss Peggy accuses him of stealing her clothesline socks. MacGregor suggests The Bodach is up to something, and Walter dismisses him as a spineless tyrant. The story sets the stage for Carmen's confession and introduces the mysterious and enigmatic character of The Bodach.