Write a story about a group of friends who stumble upon a hidden cave while hiking in the mountains, only to discover it is inhabited by a mysterious and reclusive hermit

Write a story about a group of friends who stumble upon a hidden cave while hiking in the mountains, only to discover it is inhabited by a mysterious and reclusive hermit. As they get to know the hermit, they uncover a tragic past and unexpected connections to each of their own lives.