All Amazing Babies

Why Inna was knitting booties, she herself did not know… Her daughter was 40, had been widowed two years ago, and had never had children. Last year, she remarried. Her husband was younger and wanted to live for himself. Her son had long ago moved to America and had no plans to return. The nephews had grown up, but they were still too young for children. Probably just some beautiful Latvian yarn had caught her eye. She only took one skein. The colors were magical, delicate. She thought—maybe a vest for herself. She bought thin needles, a crochet hook, and started knitting.

She didn’t notice how she ended up knitting tiny booties. And there was still so much yarn left. By evening, a bonnet was ready, and the next day, pants with a bib and a little sweater were knit. Inna took out a large box of buttons, chose beautiful, tiny ones shaped like little ladybugs. Then she went to the bathroom, mixed up a wool wash in a basin, and gently washed the set, sighing, ‘I’ll die without ever holding my grandchildren in my arms.’ Inna laid the knitted items on a terry sheet spread out on the table: ‘But there is a child somewhere in the world who needs this.’ She opened her laptop and started looking for orphanages in her city. She read up. She dressed and went to the store. Bought more yarn, this time with more shades of blue, and sat down to knit again. She made a set for a boy. Then she knitted ten pairs of booties and ten warm hats. All in different colors. Inna went to the Orphanage. ‘We can’t take them without a certificate,’ the employee told her, ‘You should have brought diapers, they’re always needed.’ But Inna stood and cried. ‘Okay,’ the woman said, ‘we’ll figure something out. Come on, let’s dress them in your booties.’ Inna held the babies, kissed their tender cheeks, cooing, ‘Such little ones. They need a mother.’

She put booties on tiny feet, and for the older ones, she tried on the knitted hats. Then she left. Her husband came home late from work and asked how things were. She didn’t know what to say. Dinner wasn’t ready, the fridge was empty. — ‘I was knitting booties at the Orphanage. They said diapers were more needed,’ said Inna and looked at her husband. — ‘Alright,’ he replied, ‘let’s cook some potatoes, and tomorrow we’ll buy diapers.’ Inna took out a pot and started washing vegetables. ‘We won’t get a child, we’re old, I’m 61, and you’re 62.’ — ‘Maybe they won’t give us one, but they won’t nail the door shut either, we can make an arrangement. Come by, help out. And the booties, socks will be useful. — ‘There’s a pair, a boy and a girl, twins, light-haired. They’re almost 2 years old. I think the knitted suits will fit, maybe a bit big, but children grow fast. The booties will be just right, I made them in the shape of sneakers.’ — ‘Let’s go together,’ said her husband. ‘I’ll arrange it. We’ll visit.’ And he did arrange it. For four months, Inna and her husband volunteered. Inna knitted new suits and booties, for them to grow into. The twins already called her mom. But one day they came, and the children were gone.

— ‘Can you imagine, they were adopted, both of them. We made their photo in your knitted suits, and that same day, a couple called. They’ve been preparing documents for months. This morning they took them. We were afraid until the last moment that they wouldn’t want both. Inna’s tears welled up. — ‘Why are you crying, silly,’ said her husband, ‘you should be happy.’ Their daughter called, — ‘Mom, can you and dad come over? I need help.’ — ‘Is the faucet broken,’ asked Inna, ‘or did the neighbors flood you again?’ — ‘I need a bed assembled,’ replied her daughter, ‘come over, don’t call, just use your keys.’ — ‘Alright, we’ll come.’ They got in their Volga and drove. Their daughter’s three-room apartment sparkled clean. Something delicious smelled from the kitchen. Inna and her husband took off their coats and put on slippers. — ‘Wash your hands and come to the room,’ shouted the daughter, ‘I’ll be right there.’ They sat on the couch and started watching the news. Suddenly, her husband nudged her. She looked up. There in the doorway was her son-in-law—Dima. In his arms sat those very twins, dressed in the suits she’d knitted, and in little knitted sneaker-booties. The boy held a piece of apple, and the girl, with smeared cheeks, sneakily looked around and tried to bite the apple. Dima smiled.

— ‘I don’t even know how to say it. Anyway, you have grandchildren now. We didn’t tell you, we didn’t know if it would be possible to arrange it. Jeanne will be here soon, she’s cooking porridge for them. A flushed Jeanne ran up. — ‘Mom, dad, meet Tanya and Volodya. I saw their photo on the ‘Children Wait’ page. They’re twins, like me and my brother. And they’re wearing booties just like the ones you knitted for us. Remember, in the photo when we were 2 years old. I showed my husband the kids, and he said—’we’re taking them.’ Dima put the children down. They ran to Inna, reaching out their little hands, and screamed: ‘mama, mama!’ She hugged them and kissed them, wiping away tears: ‘I’m not your mom, I’m your grandma, granny.’ And kept repeating: ‘granny, granny, granny’ Her husband laughed: ‘And now why are you crying? Time to buy more wool.’

Mom! Where are you?» the voice of her daughter, like the chirping of a bird, scattered throughout the yard.

Valentina straightened her back with effort, leaning on the ancient wooden handle of the shovel. How old was this tool? It seems Sergey himself made it, always repeating, «With a reliable tool, any job is easier.»

«I’m in the garden!» she responded, slowly heading towards the gate, carefully holding her lower back.

At the gate stood Irina — elegant in a light coat, on high heels. Beside her jumped Sashka, energetically waving some toy. Her son, Valentina’s grandson, remarkably resembled his father as a child — just as active, restless.

«Oh, and Sashenka came too!» Valentina opened her arms, but immediately grimaced from back pain.

«What’s wrong, mom?» Irina looked anxiously into her mother’s face.

«Oh, nothing special, daughter. My back just aches after work. I’ll walk it off—it will pass. And Andrei, is he busy again?»

«As always,» Irina slightly pursed her lips. «Stuck at work for days on end. Let’s go inside, I brought you some groceries.»

Valentina carefully ascended the porch, clinging to the railing. Each step echoed with pain, but she tried not to show it. Lately, her daughter had been watching her too closely, as if looking for some problems.

Inside, at the kitchen threshold, stood two huge bags. Valentina looked inside:

«Why so much? I can’t eat all this alone. Maybe you’ll stay with me?»

«Mom! I found my food gun! And a chamfering tool!» Sashka suddenly burst out from behind the stove, pretending to shoot.

«Stop bothering,» Irina brushed him off. «I’d like to stay, but I can’t. We’ll leave tomorrow.»

Something in her daughter’s tone made Valentina wary. After thirty-five years of motherhood, she had learned to sense when something was wrong with her children. Now her intuition suggested — this was not just a visit.

But she did not ask further. Open relations between them had ceased ever since her daughter started her own family. And Irina had a complicated character — if she planned something, she would beat around the bush until she decided to share.

«It’s warm here,» Irina leaned against the stove. «Very cozily heated.»

«The nights have become cold and damp. I’m afraid of catching a cold on my back.»

The day passed with usual chores. Sashka, having played outside, fell asleep early. And Irina couldn’t start the conversation, though Valentina noticed — she clearly had something to say.

In the evening, as they sat on the porch admiring the sunset, Irina finally decided:

«Mom, I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time. Natalya and I are worried. You’re alone in such a big house…»

Valentina looked attentively at her daughter. In the twilight, her face seemed pale and tense.

«And what are you planning?» she asked softly.

«You see…» Irina stood up, slowly walked across the porch. «My sister and I decided to open a medical center. Modern, large-scale. We already have investors, a suitable building selected. But we need initial capital…»

Valentina felt her heart squeeze. Now everything became clear.

«And what does my house have to do with it?» her voice became firmer and stricter.

«Mom, don’t rush to reject the idea!» Irina sat down next to her, gently taking her hand. «Hear me out. Andrei and I bought a new apartment — four rooms. One of them will be entirely yours. The area is excellent, near a park, a clinic… And this house can be sold. The money will go into our business, and you’ll become a co-founder. Can you imagine the potential profit?»

Valentina was silent, looking at the darkening garden. There, by the old apple tree, she and Sergey once planned their future. Brick by brick, they built a house, planted trees… Every corner was filled with memories.

«Think about it, mom, don’t rush to answer,» Irina stood up. «Tomorrow I’ll bring Natalya, she also wants to talk to you.»

Valentina could not sleep that night. She wandered through the house, touching familiar walls, sinking into memories. Here Irina took her first steps, and there Natalya liked to hide when she was upset. In that corner stood Polina’s crib when they brought the granddaughter for the summer…

Closer to two in the morning, she sat down on the old sofa in the living room — the place where she and Sergey always spent their evenings, discussed the day, and dreamed of the future. Now his half remained empty.

«Seryozha,» she softly called out in the darkness, «what should I do? Remember how we started building this house? You always joked — why such a big one, we two wouldn’t fill it…»

Her hand slid over the worn upholstery:

«And then Irinka was born. Remember how you carried her in your arms, singing lullabies with your deep voice? And three years later, Natasha appeared… What a happy time!»

Outside, the night wind rustled the branches of that very apple tree they had planted when they moved here.

«Our girls have grown up. Maybe they’re right? You always said: help your children while you can. And I’ve become stubborn, fixated. Give me some sign, some advice on what to do…»

She fell silent, listening to the night sounds of the house. The old floorboards creaked, as if pondering along with her.

Unnoticed, she dozed off right on the sofa. A bright ray of sunlight woke her in the morning. Opening her eyes, she froze — a gust of wind had flung open an old wedding photo on the wall.

Sergey looked out from it with his special, slightly mocking glance. On the back of the frame, where the glass had cracked, the sunlight illuminated an inscription made by his hand many years ago: «The main thing is to have your soul in place. And it is there, where you are.»

Valentina pressed her palm to her chest. There it was, the sign. The house could be sold, everything could start anew. But the main thing was to preserve herself, her soul. Like then, in their youth, when she and Sergey believed only in each other and in their strength.

She stood up, straightened her shoulders. Now the decision was obvious. But she would not allow herself to become a silent shadow in someone else’s home. Sergey would have understood her. He always did.

By morning, everything was decided. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was the only right way.

The children had grown up, they needed help. And the house… The house was just walls. The main thing was to preserve the family.

Natalya arrived by noon. The younger daughter seemed tired, sunken. It was evident that she was worried.

«Mommy, I’m sorry that it all happened so suddenly,» she began, embracing her mother. «But this is a unique chance for all of us! We’ve long wanted to open our own clinic…»

«I agree,» simply replied Valentina.

Both daughters froze, not believing their own ears.

«Really?» Irina beamed. «Mom, you won’t regret it! We’ll organize everything, you’ll live in luxury!»

The move was scheduled for a month later. Valentina methodically packed things, wrapped up photos, sorted through years of accumulated trinkets. Some she gave away to neighbors, some she threw away. Each day made the house more empty, more foreign.

Irina’s new apartment turned out to be spacious and bright indeed. A separate room was prepared for Valentina with expensive furniture. Everything new, modern, comfortable.

At first, it seemed that everything would work out well. Valentina helped around the house, walked with Sashka, sometimes looked after Polina when she came from her art school. But soon cracks began to show.

First, there were small misunderstandings. Irina frowned if Valentina, out of old habit, got up at five in the morning and clattered dishes in the kitchen. Andrei scowled if she forgot to turn off the light in the hallway.

Even Sashka, who joyfully greeted his grandmother at first, now increasingly locked himself in his room with a tablet.

«Mom, why did you start a general cleaning again? We have cleaning services on Thursdays,» Irina irritably adjusted the flowers that Valentina had just arranged. «And these vases… they don’t match the interior.»

Valentina remained silent.

These vases belonged to her—the only thing she took from the old house besides personal belongings. Old, with peeling paint, but so dear. And Irina preferred glass ones, «in the Scandinavian style.»

Business at the medical center progressed slower than anticipated. Irina often came home tired, easily lost her temper. Natalya called less and less—too busy, on duty. When Valentina tried to inquire about affairs, her daughters evaded answers or changed the subject.

And then «receptions» began.

Irina and Andrei regularly hosted business evenings, inviting business partners. On such days, they asked Valentina to stay in her room to not embarrass the guests.

«You see, mom, these are important people,» Irina explained. «We need to show a certain level. And you… well, you know yourself. You have your habits, your style of communication.»

One evening, Valentina accidentally overheard a conversation. She was heading to the kitchen for water when voices from the living room reached her.

«…and what am I to do?» Irina’s voice was louder than usual. «She ruins everything! Imagine, yesterday in front of Roman Sergeevich, she started talking about her garden! And he’s an investor, by the way!»

«And what about Natalya?» asked someone’s female voice.

«Natalya?» Irina bitterly chuckled. «My little sister is busy with her problems. Her husband is against mom moving in with them. And I’m supposed to pull everything on my own?»

Valentina froze by the wall, feeling her hands treacherously tremble. The glass accidentally hit the umbrella stand, and silence instantly reigned in the living room.

«Mom? What are you doing here?» Irina came out into the hallway, her face flushed.

«I came to get some water,» Valentina replied quietly.

«I asked you not to leave your room when I have guests!»

That night, Valentina couldn’t sleep. She lay staring at the ceiling, thinking: how did it happen that her girls, her little ones, became so alien? She remembered how little Irina ran to her with scraped knees, and Natalya cried, burying her face in her shoulder when she didn’t get into the institute the first time.

The next morning, Natalya called.

«Mom, how are you?» her voice sounded guilty. «Ira told me that you talked yesterday.»

«Everything’s fine, daughter,» Valentina tried to speak calmly. «How are you? It’s been a long time since you visited.»

«Mom…» Natalya paused. «Maybe you’ll stay with us for a bit? Take a break from Irka’s business meetings.»

Valentina closed her eyes. There it was, what she had feared from the beginning.

Natalya’s apartment was in an old five-story building on the outskirts of the city. Two rooms, a tiny kitchen. Viktor, Natalya’s husband, greeted her coolly—muttered «hello» and went into the bedroom.

«Don’t mind him,» Natalya whispered. «He’s just tired. Make yourself comfortable in the living room, I’ll set up the sofa for you.»

But Valentina saw that her daughter was clearly not happy with the situation. Natalya constantly apologized—either for the cramped space or for the neighbors who were noisy. Viktor demonstratively ate in the room, not approaching the common table. In the evenings, his dissatisfied muttering: «When will this end?» echoed off the walls, making the space even more cramped.

After a week, Valentina realized: a decision had to be made. She couldn’t be a burden to her own children. She packed her few belongings in an old bag and went for a walk to think.

Her legs led her to the city park. She sat on a bench, watching mothers with strollers. A nearby elderly couple—an old man with a cane and a woman in a bright scarf—settled next to her.

«Excuse me, may I sit down?» asked the woman. «My legs are just not listening to me.»

«Of course,» replied Valentina. «It’s hot today.»

«Yes, indeed,» the woman pulled out a bottle of water. «Would you like a drink? You look a bit pale.»

A conversation ensued. Galina Mikhailovna and Nikolai Petrovich turned out to be surprisingly pleasant companions. They mentioned that they owned a small house on the outskirts—they used to live there themselves, now they rent it out.

«The last tenants moved out a month ago,» Galina Mikhailovna sighed. «A pity, they were good people. We don’t rent it out for money—just so the house isn’t empty. Now we live in an apartment ourselves, moved closer to the children.»

Valentina listened and felt warmth in her chest. Maybe… maybe this was a sign?

«And you… you’ve found new tenants already?» she asked, surprising herself with her decisiveness.

Galina Mikhailovna looked attentively at the new acquaintance:

«Are you interested?» she turned to her husband. «Kolya, what do you think?»

Nikolai Petrovich gave her a thoughtful look:

«The house is small but sturdy. Two rooms, a kitchen, a veranda. There’s a garden, though it’s overgrown…»

«A garden?» Valentina’s voice trembled.

«Yes, old apple trees, currants…» Galina Mikhailovna suddenly fell silent. «Wait, are you… you’re Valya? Valentina Petrovna?»

Valentina looked up in surprise:

«Yes, but how do you…»

«My God!» exclaimed Galina Mikhailovna. «Kolya, it’s Sergey Nikolaev’s wife! The one who worked in engineering at the factory? We used to go to demonstrations together!»

Nikolai Petrovich squinted:

«That’s right… And your daughters—Irina and Natalya? Irka always played with my calculator when we gathered.»

The world suddenly seemed incredibly small and warm. They talked until evening. Remembered mutual friends, factory holidays, youth… Valentina learned that Galina Mikhailovna’s and Nikolai Petrovich’s children had long moved to another city, calling them to join, but the old couple didn’t want to leave their native places.

«You know what,» Galina Mikhailovna spoke decisively as the sun began to set. «Let’s go, take a look at the house. It’s nearby, we’ll get there by bus.»

The house turned out to be small but exceptionally cozy. Whitewashed walls, blue trim, a sturdy porch. And most importantly—the garden. Large, overgrown, but alive and breathing life. Valentina slowly walked among the apple trees, gently touching the rough trunks, tears silently rolling down her cheeks.

«Doesn’t it fit?» Galina Mikhailovna was concerned.

«What are you…» Valentina shook her head. «On the contrary. It just reminds me so much of my old house…»

That same evening she called Natalya:

«Daughter, don’t worry. I’ve found a place where I’ll live.»

«What do you mean?» anxiety sounded in her daughter’s voice. «Mom, what are you planning?»

«I met some good people. They rent a house, there’s a garden. The cost fits my pension.»

«What house? Who are these people?» Natalya raised her voice. «Mom, you can’t live alone!»

«Why not?» Valentina replied calmly. «I’ve lived in my own house all my life and somehow managed.»

«But… but…» Natalya stumbled. «Wait, I’ll call Ira, let her explain to you.»

Irina rushed over within an hour. Burst into Natalya’s apartment, not even greeting Viktor:

«Mom, stop this immediately! What house are you talking about? We didn’t start all this for you to wander around strange corners!»

«And for what then, daughter?» Valentina looked her in the eyes. «So that I’d sit locked up and not embarrass you in front of important guests?»

Irina recoiled:

«You… you know?»

«Yes, I know,» Valentina nodded. «And about your conversations regarding where to ‘place’ me, I’m also informed.»

«Mom…» Natalya stepped forward. «We did everything for your good…»

«I understand, girls. Really, I understand,» Valentina smiled sadly. «But you’re different now. You have your own life with your own rules. And I… I can’t change anymore. And I don’t want to.»

She took out a worn envelope from her bag:

«Here, take it. These are the documents for the old house. Sell it, build your center. My pension will be enough.»

«Mom, please…» Irina began.

«No, daughter. I’ve made a decision.»

A week later, Valentina moved into the house of Galina Mikhailovna and Nikolai Petrovich. They helped her settle in, brought old furniture from the attic, even provided a TV— «it was just sitting idle anyway.»

And the garden… the garden came to life. Day after day, Valentina cleared the overgrowth, tied branches, weeded grass. Her hands remembered this work, her body rejoiced in familiar movements. In the evenings, the owners often dropped by—just to sit on the porch, talk about life.

The daughters appeared two months later. They came together, silent, guilty. Irina started immediately:

«Mom, we have problems. The bank denied the loan, investors backed out…»

«And now?» asked Valentina, pouring tea into old cups.

«The money from the house… it…,» Natalya lowered her gaze. «In short, it didn’t work out. Forgive us, mommy.»

Valentina looked closely at her daughters. Irina, always so confident, now seemed small and lost. Natalya nervously crumpled a napkin, like in childhood, when she got bad grades.

«Well,» Valentina finally said. «Then it was meant to happen.»

«You… you’re not angry?» Irina asked in surprise.

«Of course, I’m angry,» Valentina sighed. «But you’re my daughters. Where can I go from you?»

«Mom,» Natalya raised her tearful eyes. «Maybe you’ll come back? We’ll figure something out…»

«No, girls,» Valentina replied firmly. «I’m fine here. I’ll take care of the garden, there will be apples—come visit with the grandchildren.»

They sat on the veranda for a long time. Talked—for the first time in a long time openly and honestly. And in the garden, the leaves of the apple trees rustled, promising a rich harvest, and from somewhere came the bitter smoke—Nikolai Petrovich was heating the sauna next door.

When she saw off her daughters in the evening, Valentina went out to the garden. Sat on an old bench, closed her eyes. And suddenly felt—she was home. Not in the house that was sold, not in Irina’s apartment, not at Natalya’s. But here, among the apple trees and currant bushes, next to these amazing people, formally strangers, but who had become almost family in spirit.

Somewhere above, an apple fell, thudding against the ground.

Valentina picked it up, wiped it on her skirt. Firm, ripe. There would be something to treat the grandchildren when they visit.

And they would definitely visit…

Konstantin and Albina met within the walls of the Institute of Culture, although their faculties were different. From a young age, Konstantin was immersed in the world of music, which was not surprising given his background. He grew up in a family where art was not just a hobby, but a way of life. His father, a violinist, taught at the conservatory, and his mother taught children to play the piano at an art school. It would have been a tragedy if their son had not inherited a musical ear. Fortunately, Konstantin had it in full. And, of course, his parents’ passion for art could not help but be passed on to him.

Konstantin often spent time at the music school where his mother worked. The building, reminiscent of a palace with its columns, grand staircase, and stucco, was filled with the sounds of various instruments coming from behind every door. Konstantin chose the guitar and was so enthusiastic that he never doubted his future. He knew exactly what awaited him.

Albina, on the other hand, grew up in a completely different environment. She was practically an orphan while her parents were alive. Her mother left her father and moved north to Noyabrsk, leaving little Albina in the care of her grandmother. She promised to return as soon as she got on her feet, but instead, she started a new family, where two children grew up. Albina’s father showed no interest in his daughter’s fate, never visited her, and never helped. Albina tried not to think about him.

They lived on her grandmother’s modest pension. Her mother occasionally sent money, but it was unreliable. From an early age, Albina learned to rely only on herself. She earned extra money by babysitting neighbors’ children or walking dogs. In her free time, she dedicated herself to books. Reading became her passion, and despite not being able to afford new books, she found them online and at the library. Therefore, after school, Albina entered the Institute of Culture, dreaming of becoming a librarian.

Her faculty was predominantly female, and many of her classmates looked for partners in other institutes. Albina, however, met Konstantin in her own educational institution. It happened by chance. One day, lingering after a lecture, she walked down an empty corridor and heard the sound of a guitar. The music was so beautiful that Albina couldn’t resist and peeked into the hall. There, she saw a dark-haired guy rehearsing on stage. Albina froze, listening to his play, and when he finished, she involuntarily clapped her hands. Konstantin, smiling, jokingly bowed in response.

Soon, they began to spend every spare minute together. In the summer, they organized a real research trip to the surrounding villages. They collected folk art—Albina documented song lyrics, while Konstantin recorded melodies. These materials later came in handy for their graduation projects.

By the time they graduated from the institute, Albina’s grandmother had passed away, leaving her a small two-room apartment in a prestigious area of the city. The location was ideal—it took just minutes to get to any cultural institution. Albina had long become part of Konstantin’s family, so when the young couple decided to get married, the groom’s parents were only delighted. The bride was modest and hardworking, but most importantly, there was so much common interest between her and Konstantin that their conversations never ended.

The wedding took place in the heart of summer, when nights are short and unnoticeable. The newlyweds and their friends greeted the dawn on a river tram, raising glasses of champagne in honor of the rising sun.

Initially, they decided to settle in Albina’s apartment, opting for cosmetic repairs. Creating their «own nest» became a real pleasure for them. They quickly found jobs: Konstantin got a teaching position at the art school, and Albina took a place in her beloved childhood library. After receiving their salaries, they enthusiastically went shopping, choosing new curtains or a coffee set—delighting in each purchase like a child with a new toy.

However, about six months later, their routine began to change. Their work schedules did not match: Albina went to work and came home later than her husband. Then she started staying out late. One day, when Konstantin, having forgotten some necessary notes at home, stopped by around eight in the morning, he discovered that Albina was already gone, although her library opened significantly later.

Konstantin had always trusted his wife and for a long time accepted her explanations without question.

«Did you go somewhere today? I came by, and you weren’t there,» he asked once.

«I ran to the market,» she replied.

«Why did you come back so late yesterday? I think I forgot to ask.»

«A friend was sick. She has a little one, needed help.»

«Karina? What’s with her?»

«It turns out she has serious heart problems. She won’t get healthy again.»

It seemed that Karina needed constant help. Either she needed someone to sit with her son while she was at the doctor’s, or help prepare for her birthday, as she was too weak to clean up herself. One reason replaced another. And Konstantin, who had never experienced jealousy before, suddenly realized that he no longer played the main role in his wife’s life.

Some time later, as he was leaving the entrance in the morning, he noticed Karina jogging. In a stylish sports suit, rosy and energetic, she easily passed him, waving goodbye. Konstantin was so taken aback that he couldn’t even call out to her.

Returning home in the evening, he again did not find Albina. Then he took Karina’s phone number from his notebook.

«Is Albina with you? If you can, call her over,» he asked.

«Where did you get the idea that she’s with me?» Karina was surprised. «We haven’t seen each other in ages.»

«Strange… And how’s your heart? No more need for help?»

«My heart?» Karina was clearly embarrassed but quickly figured out what was happening. «My heart, dear Kostya, is healthier than ever, but it looks like you’re growing horns. Or have they already grown? Maybe Albinka told you she was sitting by my bedside? How long has this been going on? Oh, always so modest, and now she’s completely let loose!»

Konstantin hung up without a word. Whatever the case, he wasn’t going to discuss his wife with anyone, even their mutual friend. He decided not to ask other acquaintances and said nothing to his parents. The only way to figure things out was to follow Albina himself. It seemed humiliating and unpleasant, but for him, it was more important to understand than to build assumptions. Scandals without grounds were not in his character, but he also didn’t want to look foolish.

He took a leave of absence from work, but pretended to leave for his classes as usual in the morning. Then he hid on a bench at the neighboring entrance, almost completely concealed by a thick lilac bush. Half an hour later, Albina appeared. She was clearly in a hurry somewhere. If she had called a taxi, it would have been impossible to follow her. However, the wife headed to the bus stop.

Konstantin managed to move unnoticed behind her, then got on the same crowded bus through a different door. Albina rode almost to the last stop—a place that surprised him even more. Here was practically a suburban area. What was Albina doing in such a backwater? She confidently walked down the road leading to a forested area. Konstantin had never been here before, but soon noticed a building off the road—a hospital for the disabled. That’s where his wife entered.

Five minutes later, he also crossed the threshold of the institution. A female security guard, on duty at the entrance, looked at him attentively.

«Are you Albina’s husband?» she asked with sympathy. «Poor thing… I really feel for her. She’s so responsible, tries her hardest, but I’m afraid the results will be weak.»

«What results?» Konstantin didn’t understand. «What are you talking about? I just returned from a business trip, my wife hasn’t had time to tell me everything yet…»

«Don’t you know?» the woman shook her head. «Her father is lying here. Not only an alcoholic but also with serious back problems… Poor girl, she spends day and night here. Help is often inadequate in state clinics. Orderlies are paid pennies, so they won’t come over extra times. When Albina found out what happened to her father—he’s been here for a month and started developing bedsores—she took on his treatment. Now she washes him every day, treats his wounds, takes him out for walks…»

And indeed, at the end of the hallway, a wheelchair appeared, pushed by Albina. At the handles sat an emaciated elderly man with the distinctively bluish face of a chronic alcoholic.

Seeing her husband, Albina froze in place, turning pale as a sheet.

«Why didn’t you tell me anything?» he asked quietly.

«How could I…» she stammered, «How did you find out? Were you following me? You thought I was…»

Konstantin squeezed her hand tightly.

«Let’s go to the yard. Let’s sit down, talk. Let me help you with the wheelchair.»

The pause dragged on.

«By the way, what’s your father’s name? Ilya—I know that from your patronymic. And then?»

«Ilya Maximovich.»

The yard around the hospital was spacious and cozy, with tall trees creating cool shade. They sat on one of the benches. Ilya Maximovich seemed to enjoy every second of being outdoors. Closing his eyes, he soon drifted into a doze.

«You see,» Albina began, and tears streamed down her cheeks, «I immediately saw how much your family differed from mine. Your parents—cultured, kind people—they welcomed me so warmly. And me… a mother who lived far away and never needed me. And this father, who once forgot everything in the world for a bottle. I was a hundred percent sure: if your parents found out I was the daughter of an alcoholic, they would never let you marry me.»

«What nonsense!» exclaimed Konstantin. «Your father—that’s his choice, and we are completely independent individuals.»

«Wait, let me finish,» Albina continued. «Keeping quiet about my father wasn’t so difficult, since he hadn’t lived with us for a long time. I remember only that distant childhood: his endless binges, constant scandals with my mother. There was always poverty in the house because he drank away every penny. He couldn’t hold a job for more than two or three weeks. He’d start a new position, then inevitably get drunk, come in such a state to the construction site or gas station—and they’d immediately fire him.

After divorcing my mother, he started seeing different women. But such, you know, that even looking at them without tears is impossible. In recent years, we hardly crossed paths—news about him came through mutual acquaintances. Then one night he went out for vodka. Someone took his money and brutally beat him, literally tormenting him with their feet. It damaged his spine. When they told me… I could have refused to care for him, since he never paid child support, never helped with anything… But when I saw the state he was in… You know the rest.»

Kostya hugged his wife tightly and gently kissed her. When the walk ended, he helped Ilya Maximovich return to the building and settle into bed. It was evident that for Albina, this place had become a second home. Her favorite mug stood on the bedside table, familiar slippers lay near the bed. It was clear she intended to continue coming here daily to care for her father.

But Konstantin couldn’t allow such a situation. That same evening, he turned to his parents for advice. They took the story seriously. The son didn’t reveal the true reason for Albina’s silence, simply asking for their support. He knew his mother had influential connections in the medical field.

Just a few days later, a suitable option presented itself. Ilya Maximovich was transferred to a modern clinic where he was given a private room and began comprehensive treatment, including therapy for alcohol dependence. The hospital was located in the city center, just a fifteen-minute walk away. Konstantin’s parents regularly visited Ilya Maximovich, bringing him delicious gifts, although the food at the clinic was already excellent. Albina’s father began to recover quickly.

After some time, he sheepishly admitted to his daughter that it seemed there were budding feelings between him and one of the elderly orderlies.

Konstantin and Albina understood that there would be no more secrets between them. The father-in-law and mother-in-law continued to treat Albina with the same warmth, and she, in turn, felt that she had found a real family. And this feeling extended not only to Konstantin but to his entire family.

You don’t even realize how much your mediocrity and dullness irritate me now,» Andrei said, his eyes flashing. «I don’t need a gray mouse; I deserve more!»

«Do you really think money makes you better?» Olga replied, her voice full of pain, trying to hold back tears.

The evening light cozily illuminated the kitchen where Olga was cooking dinner. The smell of freshly cooked borscht and fresh pies filled the air.

Andrei burst through the door, waving an envelope and smiling ear to ear.

«Olya! Olya! You won’t believe it!» he shouted, not even taking off his shoes. «I got a letter about an inheritance from some distant relative! Now I’m rich!»

Olga turned around, wiping her hands on her apron.

«That’s great, Andryush,» she calmly replied. «But who is this relative? We didn’t know anyone…»

«Who cares!» Andrei laughed and approached her, kissing her on the cheek. «Now we can afford everything we want!»

Olga raised her eyebrows in surprise but didn’t have time to say anything as Andrei began talking about future plans, waving his hands and dreaming of luxury purchases.

However, the next day, apparently after a sleepless night as a future millionaire, Andrei turned into a completely different person.

He looked at Olga with disdain, began to command and demand attention only to himself. All his talks were about how rich he now was and how successful. It was as if the letter he received was not about an inheritance, but about being awarded the Nobel Prize.

«You know, Olya,» he said at breakfast, not looking at her, «now that I’m rich, I think we need to reconsider our relationship.»

Olga shuddered and stared at him in disbelief.

«What do you mean?» she asked, trying to hold back tears.

«Well, you understand, I’m now on a completely different level,» he said, biting into a sandwich.

«Other people? What are you even talking about, Andrei?»

«About how I’m now rich,» he repeated, as if that explained everything. «And you… you’re too ordinary.»

Olga was in shock. She called her best friends—Katya and Lena—to meet at a cafe and tell them what happened.

«Girls, you won’t believe it!» she began as soon as they sat down at the table. «Andrei received some inheritance and now thinks I’m not his match!»

Katya snorted.

«Well, that’s news. Who is this relative who fell out of the sky?»

Lena frowned, listening intently to Olga.

«And what are you going to do?» she asked.

«I don’t know,» Olga sighed. «Andrei has become so… so disgusting!»

Katya shook her head.

«Olya, are you sure this isn’t some mistake? Maybe he’s just gone a bit mad?»

«I don’t know,» repeated Olga. «But this isn’t like him.»

Lena, frowning even more, pondered.

That’s how the evening ended. Olga returned home, where Andrei was already immersed in looking at catalogs of luxury cars. Anxiety settled in her soul, but the hope of help from her loyal friends kept her spirits up.

Days passed, and Andrei became increasingly unbearable. Although he had not yet received the money from the inheritance, his behavior changed. He walked with his head held high as if he were already a millionaire, and treated Olga with arrogance and disdain.

«Olya, where is my suit?» he yelled one morning. «I have an important meeting today!»

Olga found the suit and neatly hung it on the bedroom door.

«Andrei, can we talk?» she timidly asked, approaching him.

«Not now,» he dismissed her. «I don’t have time for trifles.»

Olga felt her eyes filling with tears. She didn’t understand what was happening and why the man she loved had turned into this alien, cold man. She decided it was time to talk to her friends again.

In the evening, Olga met with Katya and Lena at a small cafe on the corner. They sat at a cozy table by the window, ordered coffee, and began discussing what was happening.

«Girls, I can’t live like this anymore,» Olga began, barely holding back tears. «Andrei has become simply unbearable. He treats me like a servant and says he needs other people around.»

Katya snorted, pushing her coffee cup aside.

«What a scoundrel! Olya, you need to put him in his place. He hasn’t even received the money yet, and he’s already turning up his nose.»

Lena frowned, listening attentively to Olga.

«Ol, we’re always with you. Don’t worry, everything will work out.»

Lena, looking away, thoughtfully said:

«Olya, you need to stay strong. Katya and I won’t let him hurt you,» Lena confidently said, stroking Olga’s hand.

«Thank you, girls. I couldn’t have coped without you,» Olga quietly replied, trying to calm down.

Days went by, and Andrei’s behavior became more and more unbearable.

He continued to belittle and insult Olga, accusing her of being mercenary and supposedly only waiting for money from his inheritance.

«Olya, you understand that I’m a completely different person now,» Andrei said, returning home in the evening. «You’ve always been a gray mouse, but now I see right through you. You’re just waiting for me to get rich so you can feast at my expense.»

Olga looked at him with horror and pain.

«Andrei, how can you say that? We’ve been together for so many years, I’ve always supported you!»

«Yes, yes, supported,» he sneered. «But now it’s clear to me that you only care about money.»

Olga felt her heart breaking. She couldn’t understand why Andrei had become so cruel. All this time, she had tried to be patient and understanding, but his words were like a knife in her heart.

«Andrei, let’s discuss everything, talk,» Olga firmly said.

«About what? About how you’re waiting for my money?» he sarcastically asked.

«No, about what’s happening to you. I want to understand why you’ve changed so much.»

Andrei looked at her with contempt.

«You wouldn’t understand. You’re too simple for this level of life.»

These words were the last straw for Olga. She decided she would not endure this any longer.

The next day, she met with her friends. They sat in the same cafe, and Olga felt the girls’ support with their presence.

«Olga, we need to tell you the truth,» Katya began, looking at Lena.

Lena nodded and added:

«Sorry, Ol, we wanted to joke, but it got out of control.»

Olga looked at them anxiously.

«What do you want to say?»

Katya sighed and said:

«The letter about the inheritance… It’s fake. Lena and I orchestrated this to show you what a person can become if they have money.»

Olga froze, not believing her ears.

«You mean it was all a lie?» she whispered.

Lena took her hand.

«Olga, we did this because we saw how Andrei was treating you. We wanted to show you who he really is. And it turns out he’s really a terrible person.»

Olga felt her eyes fill with tears. She didn’t know what to feel—anger, disappointment, or relief.

«How could you do this?» she asked, not hiding her tears. «Did you think this would help?»

Katya looked at her with regret.

«We thought it would help you see the truth. We didn’t expect him to become like this…»

Olga was silent for a long time, processing what she heard. Finally, she spoke.

«I don’t understand why you did this. But it was too cruel. Now I know that Andrei is not who I thought he was. And my friends are not who I thought they were.»

When Andrei returned home, he found Olga in the living room. She sat on the sofa with a determined look, her eyes blazing with resolution.

«Olga, what’s this important conversation again?» Andrei asked irritably, taking off his jacket.

«Sit down, Andrei,» she calmly said. «We need to discuss a lot.»

Andrei sat down, grumbling unhappily.

«Again these talks? I’m tired of them.»

Olga sighed, gathering all her strength.

«Andrei, I know the truth about the letter. It’s fake. My friends did it to show me who you really are.»

Andrei turned pale. A mix of surprise and anger flashed across his face.

«What? Fake? Are you serious?»

«Yes, Andrei. You acted as if you really became rich. You became arrogant and cruel. You humiliated me and insulted me, thinking that money gave you the right to behave like that.»

Andrei jumped from his chair, his face turning red with rage.

«This is ridiculous! You believe your friends more than me? They’re just jealous of our happiness!»

Olga calmly stood up from the sofa, looking him straight in the eye.

«No, Andrei. They helped me see the truth. You don’t deserve me and our love. You showed your true face when you thought you became rich.»

Andrei breathed heavily, his eyes blazing with fury. He realized he had lost.

«That’s your choice, Olga. You’re destroying our family yourself. I’m leaving.»

Olga watched as he packed his things. Her heart ached, but she knew it was the right decision. Andrei was not the man she loved. He had changed, and his new appearance was alien and repugnant to her.

When the door slammed shut behind Andrei, Olga felt a mix of pain and relief. She knew a new stage of life awaited her, but she was ready for it.

Katya and Lena arrived almost immediately after Andrei left. They found Olga on the sofa, still shaken but determined. The friends sat next to her, expressing their support and care.

«Olga, how are you?» Katya asked cautiously, holding her hand.

«It was hard,» Olga admitted, wiping away tears. «But I know it was the right thing.»

Lena, seeing that Olga had calmed down a bit, asked:

«Olga, we told you the whole truth about the fake letter, but we didn’t explain why we did it. Do you want to know?»

Olga nodded, looking at them with interest and anxiety.

«Of course, I want to understand why you decided to arrange all this…»

Katya sighed and began explaining:

«The thing is, three weeks ago a lawyer from Switzerland contacted me. He said he had been trying to contact you, but you’re a bit paranoid, all social media is closed. I don’t know how he managed to find me, but he left his number, asking me to pass it to you. There’s a real case about an inheritance, he didn’t tell me the details, of course, because of confidentiality.»

Olga stared at her friends in astonishment.

«What? A real inheritance? From which relative? You weren’t joking?»

Lena continued:

«This lawyer left a number you should call. Katya and I thought, since it’s Switzerland, there must be a lot of money involved. We decided to test Andrei first before telling you about the real inheritance. We wanted to make sure it wouldn’t ruin your marriage and that he wouldn’t hurt you.»

Olga sat in silence, digesting what she heard. She couldn’t believe that all this time they were testing her husband, and it turned out he was indeed insincere with her.

«So, this was all for my benefit?» she finally asked.

Katya nodded.

«Yes, Olga. We wanted to make sure you saw his true face before you received the inheritance. We knew he might not be who he seemed.»

Olga cried again, but this time they were tears of relief and gratitude.

«Thank you, girls. I don’t know what I would do without you.»

Lena hugged her tighter.

«We’re always here, Olga. Now you need to call this lawyer and find out all the details about the inheritance.»

Olga took the phone and dialed the number her friends had given her. After a short conversation with the lawyer, her face lit up with joy.

«He confirmed everything. I indeed received a large inheritance from a distant relative,» she said, not believing her luck.

Katya and Lena clapped their hands, rejoicing with their friend.

«Olga, you’re now rich!» exclaimed Katya.

«And most importantly, you’re free from Andrei and his manipulations,» added Lena.

Olga smiled through tears. She felt her heart fill with joy and hope for the future.

Now she had the opportunity to start a new life, free from lies and humiliations. And she knew her friends would always be there, supporting her every step of the way.

They raised glasses of champagne, which Katya had brought just in case.

«To a new life, full of happiness and freedom!» proclaimed Katya.

«To true friends and a better future!» added Lena.

Olga raised her glass, feeling her soul filled with warmth and gratitude.

«To you, girls. Thank you for everything.»

They drank, laughing and hugging, happy that their friend was now free and wealthy.

Olga knew that new challenges awaited her, but now she was ready for anything, knowing she had loyal friends and a new life full of opportunities.

This day seemed to stretch on endlessly. Klara simply couldn’t understand why Leonid had arranged this meeting on the Embankment—the very place where they had first met. What was he up to? In the past, her husband had rarely shown a romantic streak: the most he ever did was bring her a bouquet on a holiday or perfume on her birthday. And now he suddenly wanted to surprise her! Klara decided not to let the opportunity slip by and prepared thoroughly: she went to the hairdresser and chose an elegant outfit, as though getting ready for a first date, paying close attention to every detail.

Leonid was already waiting by the fountain with an arch, glancing at his watch from time to time. He wasn’t holding any flowers—apparently, this meeting wasn’t as festive as Klara had imagined.

“Hi!” she said, appearing suddenly, causing Leonid to flinch involuntarily.

“Hi,” he replied curtly, then added, clearly nervous, “We’re running late, Klar. Let’s hurry.”

Leonid didn’t even notice his wife’s transformation; he didn’t pay her a single compliment on her appearance. “Probably later,” Klara reassured herself.

“Where are we going?” she asked, lifting an eyebrow in surprise. “Did something happen? Is this a surprise?”

“Something like that,” Leonid shrugged and pulled her along.

They crossed the Embankment Square, walked over a bridge, and headed toward a new high-rise building. During that time, countless guesses flitted through Klara’s mind. When Leonid stopped at the building entrance and punched in the door code, she decided not to ask any more questions—let it be a surprise. Still, her heart was pounding uneasily.

They took the spacious elevator to the thirteenth floor. Leonid let Klara go first, took a set of keys from his pocket, and walked to the door at the very end of the hallway.

“Whose apartment is this?” Klara couldn’t help but ask as she stepped into a stylish foyer.

“Do you like it?” was her husband’s response instead of an answer. He gestured toward the room. “Go have a look!”

Klara walked through the apartment: the wallpaper she’d always liked, a chandelier identical to the one she had recently wanted to install in their bedroom but Leonid had talked her out of. The balcony offered a magnificent view. Though the apartment was small, it felt incredibly cozy. Klara could already picture herself enjoying a cup of her favorite tea while admiring the balcony view.

“You could spend forever here,” she said in awe, turning back to Leonid. “Just imagine how magical the view will be at night when the river is lit up and the streetlamps are glowing!”

“I knew you’d like it here,” Leonid finally said, holding out the keys to her. “And don’t bother thanking me. It’s all for you!”

“What do you mean?” Klara asked in confusion.

“Exactly what I said,” he nodded, glancing at his watch again. “I have to go—I’ll send your things over later in a car.”

“Wait!” Klara placed a hand on her chest, sensing that something was terribly wrong. “What do you mean, ‘my things’? And why are you in such a rush?”

“Klara, stop pretending you don’t understand!” Leonid snapped, annoyed. “You know perfectly well that I’m leaving you—I’m starting a new life!”

Klara opened her mouth to reply but realized she had no words. Any questions would only bring more accusations, and she truly was in shock.

“Why, for heaven’s sake—explain what’s happening!” she finally managed to say.

“It means this apartment is yours now,” Leonid said coldly. “The paperwork is in the dresser, in your name. I used your power of attorney. And today my real love is flying in, so I need to get to the airport. Sorry, but I don’t have time for a long goodbye.”

“Lyona, you’re not joking?” Klara whispered, her voice trembling. “How is this possible? Everything was fine just yesterday…”

“Klara, I’ve been cheating on you for a long time!” Leonid exploded. “And don’t tell me you had no idea! I thought you were smarter—I assumed you were just turning a blind eye.”

Klara felt hot tears streaming down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her. Had their marriage really been so flawless? They rarely fought. When their son was little, Leonid never came home late from work; it was only after their son moved to the capital that her husband started traveling on business more often. Still, they celebrated holidays together, spent weekends at home. Yes, in recent years the business trips had become more frequent, but he always called and brought back souvenirs from the same city. Now it was obvious where he had met his “beloved.” And Klara? All this time, she had been relegated to second place?

She wanted to ask a million questions, to voice every emotion. But the lump in her throat kept her silent. She looked at Leonid, tears streaming down her face, realizing that their world was collapsing before her eyes.

“Well, it’s all settled then,” Leonid said. “This apartment is yours now, and you’ll give up your share of our jointly owned property. I’ll arrange with Lina for a place to stay, and then we can sign all the paperwork with the notary. After that, we’ll handle the divorce.”

With a sudden slam, Leonid shut the door, leaving Klara standing in the foyer of her new apartment, clutching the keys tightly in her hand. His footsteps echoed down the hallway until they disappeared, leaving only silence. Klara felt as though she were sinking into a void—deep and bottomless. Slowly, she looked around the space that now belonged to her; instead of bringing joy, it filled her with the bitterness of betrayal. How could she have lived so long in an illusion, completely unaware of her husband’s other life?

Klara sank onto the sofa, covering her face with her hands. Her thoughts darted back and forth, trying to pinpoint the moment everything started to fall apart. Yet no matter how hard she tried to remember, there were no obvious warning signs. They had been an ordinary family—neither especially passionate nor particularly quarrelsome. Any fleeting sense of distance she had attributed to routine or fatigue. Meanwhile, the gulf between them had been widening day by day.

She spent a sleepless night, going over the years of their life together, searching for clues as to when and why it had all changed. Leonid had always been reserved and laconic, but she had loved him for that—his reliability and predictability. As for him, when did he stop loving her? The questions circled in her mind, but the answers remained out of reach.

Early the next morning, as the first rays of dawn tinged the sky a pale pink, Klara called a taxi and returned to their old apartment. Leonid met her at the door, his arms crossed in a gesture of irritation.

“What do you want here?” he asked coldly, blocking her way.

“I live here,” Klara replied calmly—much to her own surprise—and stepped forward, intending to enter.

But Leonid refused to let her pass, standing like an immovable barrier.

“You understand you’re putting me in a very awkward position? I bought you an apartment! You should be grateful I made sure you weren’t out on the street.”

Klara gave a small, bitter laugh without raising her eyes.

“Grateful? For the cheating? For the lies? No, Leonid, I’m staying here. This apartment belongs to both of us, and I’m not leaving.”

His face twisted with tension.

“You don’t understand what I’ve done for you. I could have divided this property through the courts. After the sale, your share wouldn’t have even been enough for a room in a dormitory! But I took care of you—I ensured you’d have a decent place to live! You should be happy!”

“Thank you, of course,” Klara answered evenly, “but I’ve decided to rent out the second apartment. I’m staying here. Until we’re officially divorced, this apartment is still mine. If you want, you can try taking it back, but remember—the documents are in my name,” she added, knowing she had every right to remain.

Leonid’s face reddened with anger.

“You have no right to do this! I counted on your decency! I was sure you’d agree to my terms!”

Klara looked him straight in the eyes, no longer feeling fear or regret.

“I’m staying here. If you don’t like it, you’re free to leave.”

He froze, at a loss for words. Before him stood a completely different woman—strong and self-assured. The Klara he had known was gone.

Days began to drag on endlessly. They found themselves in a bizarre situation: three of them under one roof. Every day, Klara asserted her presence in the apartment—occupying her usual spot at the dining table, cooking in the shared kitchen, and continuing her daily routines that had shaped this home for years.

When Leonid tried to stage “family” evenings with Lina, Klara was always there, reminding them who the real mistress of the house was. Occasionally, she allowed herself pointed but subtle remarks directed at his new partner, watching Leonid tense up and Lina lower her gaze.

Leonid tried various tactics to make Klara leave, first pleading with her, then resorting to threats, but all were in vain. She stood her ground.

After a few weeks, Lina couldn’t stand it any longer. One morning, she quietly packed her things and left without a word. Leonid blamed Klara, yelling that she was at fault for destroying his relationship. Yet Klara remained calm, looking at him with icy determination. Their marriage no longer existed for her, but she refused to let him walk away without consequences.

Over time, Leonid began to change. His stubborn determination to get a divorce and start a new life gradually faded. One evening, after returning from work, he found Klara in the kitchen as usual, preparing dinner and lost in thought. Approaching her, Leonid spoke with unexpected heaviness in his voice:

“I’ve changed my mind about the divorce.”

Klara looked up, clearly surprised.

“Changed your mind?” she repeated slowly, as though testing the words. “And what do you propose?”

“Let’s just leave things the way they are,” he said, sitting down on the edge of the table. “I realize now I made a mistake. We can go back to the way things were.”

“The way they were?” Klara gave a small, humorless laugh, but there was no longer any pain in her eyes. “You really think we can just erase everything that’s happened? Forget the betrayal? No. Now I’m the one insisting on the divorce. And here’s my proposal: you relinquish your share of this apartment, and I’ll transfer the new one to you. That’s the only way we both come out even.”

Leonid thought for a moment. He didn’t like the condition, but he knew he had no other choice. Selling their shared apartment would leave him with barely enough for anything decent, especially after his savings had gone toward buying Klara’s new place. And that new place, though modest, was still his best option. In the end, he agreed—on one condition: both transactions had to be concluded at the same time, to rule out any risk of deception.

The paperwork was signed, and each party got what they deserved. Leonid, finally free, realized that his new life wasn’t as bright as he had imagined. Klara, however, walked out of the notary’s office feeling lighter, certain that this freedom was the start of a new, brighter chapter in her life.

Masha, listen to me. Just wait, don’t cry. The place I’m going to pays really well. It just turned out this way, but we can’t give up. I’ll earn money, and we’ll start over.» Ivan tried to reassure her.

Masha shook her head in despair.

«No, Ivan, no. No money is worth a life.»

«What life are you talking about? What are you talking about now? Times are completely different, nobody goes into hand-to-hand combat. Don’t worry so much. Do you really think I would go to certain death and leave you alone? No, you just need to hang in there until I start receiving. There is a place to live. At least we still have that apartment.»

Masha sighed.

«Ivan, we don’t need this business anymore. Let it be lost forever. To lose everything in a week again? And we had to sell everything…»

«Masha, I don’t see any other way to prove to myself that I’m worth something.»

He sighed again, knowing she understood him well but categorically disapproved.

Masha knew her husband wouldn’t calm down. The incident was, of course, very upsetting. They had been building their business for almost ten years, everything was going well for them, everything was working out. And then, like little children, they fell for foreign scammers. Now there was no way to trace them.

Two days later, Ivan left to serve on a contract.

Masha felt as if half her heart had been torn out. She flinched every time the phone rang, and if someone knocked at the door, she would panic.

A month passed, and the panic didn’t subside; on the contrary, it grew more and more. Masha was sure something bad would happen, it was bound to happen.

Early one morning, someone rang the doorbell. She looked at the clock, and her legs immediately stopped obeying her. She barely made it to the door and opened it. When she saw a man in uniform, she understood everything.

He didn’t even manage to say anything before Masha slid down the wall. She woke up in the hospital, initially unable to understand where she was. And then, when she did, she remembered and screamed out loud.

It turned out she had been between heaven and earth for a week.

She was discharged only a week later. She went straight to the cemetery. A cross, no photographs, nothing. No compensation was given; they said an investigation was still ongoing. Everything was so unclear…

Masha returned home. For a day, she paced from corner to corner. And then she decided that things couldn’t go on like this anymore.

For a small apartment, especially an urgent sale, she didn’t get much. She immediately asked the agency to find her a small house somewhere far from people, from civilization. They found her one 300 kilometers from where she lived.

When the taxi stopped, Masha looked in horror at the old shack she had bought without even looking.

«Is this where you plan to live?» The taxi driver looked at her in disbelief.

«Right here. How much do I owe you?» Masha gathered her strength and looked at the driver.

He took the money and watched her walk away.

«They’ve completely lost their minds, living the high life, don’t know what else to do to entertain themselves,» he muttered.

Masha didn’t hear these words. And they weren’t important to her. She stood in front of the old house, thinking that she wouldn’t have to live here. But to survive…

She built a large bonfire, pulled all the old junk from the house. Not much. While the little bonfire smoked, Masha grabbed a rag.

«Good evening to you. And here I was wondering what the fire was about,» a voice said.

Masha turned around sharply. A grandmother stood on the threshold, the kind you see in fairy tales, a godsend dandelion.

«Did I scare you? Don’t be afraid, I live next door. Well, or rather, I’m living out my days,» the old woman said, appearing from around the corner. «And what brings you to our remote parts?»

Masha finally shook off her stupor.

«I decided I wanted to be closer to nature. Nothing holds me in the city anymore. My husband died…»

«Come to heal your wounds, then?» The old woman nodded understandingly.

«I guess you could say that. Please come in, why are you standing at the doorstep?» Masha invited her in.

The grandmother walked in and sat down.

«Well done, the house already looks like a home. My name is Klavdiya Nikolaevna.»

«And I’m Masha.»

«Well, why are you alone, Masha? Didn’t call anyone for help? We may not be young anymore, but we can help,» Klavdiya Nikolaevna offered. «I’ll call my girls. We’ll quickly put things in order here.» The grandmother quickly rushed out the door.

Masha just shook her head. Imagine that, where only the soul holds on, and still so quick. Twenty minutes later, Klavdiya Nikolaevna returned with three more grandmothers, about the same age.

Listening to their humorous banter and memories from their youth, Masha felt very hungry. When it got dark, they sat down to drink tea. The grandmothers brought all kinds of food.

«Don’t worry, Masha. Our places are remote, of course. But they’ve been peaceful for a long time, everyone’s forgotten about us. The authorities, our children. Nobody needs us. A mobile shop comes once a week. We only buy bread there,» one of the grandmothers explained.

«And how do you live?»

«That’s how we live. Some have chickens, some have rabbits. We plant gardens, share with each other.»

«And where’s the nearest store, medical post?» asked Masha.

«Oh, that’s ten kilometers from here. Sometimes grandchildren and children come by. Look, Klavdiya’s grandson tried to take her away so many times, but she won’t leave. She says she won’t leave us here,» another grandmother answered.

Klavdiya smiled.

«He’s a good grandson, only he’s just unlucky in life. He’s been married twice, and it never worked out.»

Masha immediately pictured a self-centered young man.

«I know what you’re thinking. But you’ll see for yourself. He’s threatened to come in two weeks. Says he’ll gather firewood for you, grandmother,» Klavdiya added.

The grandmothers helped Masha with the garden. They didn’t do much, but they did something.

Who would have thought she would be digging in the garden beds? Even in her worst nightmares, she never thought of such things. But now, it was nothing; she sat there, arranging seeds in the holes.

Every evening, the entire female population of the village, consisting of four grandmothers and Masha, gathered at someone’s house for tea. Masha eagerly listened to various stories.

«Remember how we caught bandits here?» Klavdiya waved her arms.

«Oh, how could I forget! Those scoundrels hid in my attic. And I didn’t even know.»

Masha’s eyes widened.

«Oh, please tell.»

«That was about fifteen years ago. Many had already left, but there were still many residential houses. We had policemen show up in the morning. We all poured out of our houses, didn’t understand what was going on. Turned out, some bandits had robbed someone, took a lot of money and all sorts of gold. And apparently, they headed our way by car, only they got lost somewhere. So the policemen were looking for them.»

«What policemen? It was already the police,» someone objected.

«Oh, what difference does it make. So, they went through the yards. And it turned out that the bandits had settled in the attic at Nikolaevna’s. Oh, we suffered so much fear then! They were shooting, and Klavdiya was at home and couldn’t leave.»

«And did they catch them?»

«They caught them. But they didn’t find either the money or the car. After that incident, the last residents left the village. They say it’s a place lost by God,» one of the grandmothers said.

«And yet people used to flock here. We have a very clean and healing spring here. So many legends about it, laid down by our great-grandmothers.»

«Yes, exactly. Women who couldn’t have children would come, live a few days on the spring water, and then everything would work out for them,» another grandmother added.

Masha dreamed all night of bandits and pregnant women. In the morning, waking up, she remembered how the grandmothers talked about a strawberry glade and decided to go there.

She always thought she was good at navigating the forest. But there were so many berries, and the forest was so beautiful, she lost track of time and realized she didn’t know where to go.

She wasn’t initially afraid, but fear set in later, as it started to get dark.

«Well, just what I needed, to disappear in the forest,» she muttered, realizing that for the first time since Vanya’s death, she wanted to live.

Perhaps it was indeed the miracle spring doing its work. When an owl started hooting, Masha ran. She felt as if wolves were surrounding her from all sides. She ran, not knowing how long, only to suddenly stop, finding herself in the middle of a glade. In the moonlight, a car stood. It was completely unclear how it had ended up there, surrounded by bushes. She remembered the grandmothers’ story. Could this be the same car that the bandits had abandoned?

A branch snapped behind her, and Masha jumped into the car with a shriek. She didn’t care what was inside; the main thing was that the forest dwellers wouldn’t reach her. By morning, she had dozed off and woke up to the sun shining directly in her face. She looked around: dust, cracked seats, and a bag full of bills on the back seat…

Masha leaned over the seat and saw that the grandmothers had gathered around.

«My dears, how glad I am to see you!» She cried with joy.

Klavdiya Nikolaevna said:

«I’ve already called my grandson, he’s on his way.»

Everyone gathered at Masha’s house, and she told them about her adventures.

«We’ll turn things around here with you! But let’s not tell anyone where the money came from.»

«We’ll clear the road, beautify it, and people will come to our spring,» they discussed.

«That’s the plan! Does anyone really understand how good it is here?»

Everyone turned around. A young man stood at the door, smiling at the gathered group.

Klavdiya Nikolaevna jumped up:

«Vanechka, the grandson has arrived!»

Of course, the word «grandson» hardly fit this two-meter-tall man. Masha flinched when the grandmother called him Vanya. Ivan turned out to be nothing like she had imagined. He was cheerful, straightforward, and seemed very smart. In two days, he mowed the grandmothers’ and Masha’s yards, piled up trees.

Meanwhile, Masha tried to figure out where to start beautifying, what to buy. And somehow Ivan caught her at it.

«May I help you? I happen to work with business plans,» he offered.

Three years later.

«Maria Anatolievna, we have a two-month waiting list ahead, and people keep calling and calling.»

Masha sighed:

«I understand, but we don’t have that much space.»

Ivan stood up from the table:

«Mash, maybe it’s time to think about expanding?»

She smiled at him:

«Well, dear, of course, we can think about it, but you’ll have to handle it alone.»

Ivan looked at her in surprise:

«Why alone? Without you?»

«Without me, because I’ll be busy with completely different things,» she answered.

Klavdiya Nikolaevna looked at Masha and suddenly said:

«And I always tell everyone: it’s not a legend at all, it’s all true.»

Ivan looked at his grandmother in confusion:

«What are you even talking about? I don’t understand.»

«Vanya, why do people come to us? Because the spring is healing. And we live here,» she explained.

«And so?» Ivan stared at her in the same bewilderment.

«Mash, don’t keep us in suspense,» Klavdiya added, winking.

«What do you want to say…» Ivan asked, looking at Masha.

Masha nodded. Ivan slowly stood up, looked at her in bewilderment, and then yelled, picking her up in his arms!

In the evening, they stood on the porch of their new house and looked at the village. There were new houses, more residents. The village was unrecognizable: lighting, new buildings, paths. Nearby, the sanatorium building was visible, the very one that had such a long queue.

«So, Mash, aren’t we great?» Klavdiya rejoiced.

«And we’re great, and those bandits who left the bag in the forest.»

«Let’s not even remember about it, just live here and now.»

«But we have to remember something,» Ivan interjected. «Mash, I’ve been submitting requests for three years… Basically, your husband — he’s a hero. I know it was important to you. So we need to go to the city, get all the documents, and there’s a medal waiting for you there, awarded to him posthumously.»

Masha stood silent for a while, then leaned into her husband.

«Thank you. This was indeed very important to me.»

Ivan stroked her head.

«What do you think, who will we have?»

«I don’t care, as long as everyone’s healthy.»

Ivan sighed.

«We need to think about building a school.»

Masha laughed.

«What, not about a university right away?»

They hugged and turned to face the village. They would do everything to make this place thrive, to make people here happier.

I asked you to look after our son like a human being! How can you be so heartless? The child is soaking wet, and you’re just staring at your monitor!»

«Why are you starting this now?» Vadik grimaced, glancing over his shoulder at the baby crib. «The boy is lying there quietly, not crying. Why stir things up?»

«Are you serious?!» his wife exclaimed indignantly. «Just because he’s not screaming, it means he doesn’t need attention?!»

«What, am I supposed to swing him back and forth?» Vadik smirked and dove back into his laptop.

A new project was looming, and there was very little time left to submit it—the deadlines were burning. And here was Natashka with her quirks—’watch him, I need to see a doctor.’

«I’m warning you!» Natalia yanked the back of the computer chair. «You’ll have to sit with the son, I’m going to the hospital!»

Vadik choked and forgot which keys he wanted to press.

«What?!» he barked, turning pale. «Are you out of your mind?!»

«Not out of my mind!» the wife returned to the crib and picked up the baby. «The doctor said I have a polyp that needs to be removed urgently! So, darling, you’ll sit with the child—there’s no escape!»

«How long do I have to sit with him?» Vadik stretched out, hoping his wife was joking. «Are you sure it’s urgent? Maybe he’ll grow up, and then you can remove it?»

«Are you a moron?! Who’s going to grow up?!» the young woman yelled at him. «The polyp or Mishenka?! What are you even talking about?!»

«Well, Mishka will grow up, and then you’ll lie down,» Vadik said uncertainly, glancing sideways at his son. The baby was puckering his lips and trying to catch his mother’s gaze—he was one and a half months old and didn’t understand anything yet but sensed some unease. Mishenka furrowed his pale eyebrows and amusingly wrinkled his button-nose.

Mama instinctively kissed him on the forehead and stroked his chubby hand. The boy sensed the familiar smell of his mother’s milk, and calm spread throughout his tiny body. He was ready to cry—the diaper was uncomfortably pinching, but Mommy quickly solved the problem, pulling off the overloaded diaper and replacing it with a clean one.

«Quiet, sunshine, all is well—mommy’s here,» she rocked the baby, and he drifted off to sleep without realizing it.

Vadik sat staring at one spot. He was frightened and confused at the same time. The prospect of being alone with the child scared him more than the overdue project. How to solve this problem, Vadik did not know yet, but he was not ready to give up.

«Nat, don’t make a fuss,» he whispered, trying not to wake the tiny son. «Let’s have your mom sit with him, and I’ll help her!»

Natalia gently placed Mishenka in the crib, covered him with a thin blanket, admired the boy, and then turned to her husband.

«Let’s go to the kitchen! We need to talk!» Natasha hissed and shook her head.

«What is there to talk about?» Vadik hissed back as soon as they were in the kitchen. «Are you out of your mind? How am I supposed to sit with him?!»

«Don’t hiss! He can’t hear!» the wife planted her hands on her hips. «You’ll sit ordinarily, just don’t forget to change the diapers, or he’ll get a diaper rash!»

«Are you stupid, Nata?» Vadik gloomily shook his head. «What am I supposed to do with him?»

«Vadik! Don’t start!» the young mother halted his complaints. «You’ll manage, where are you going to go! You can feed the child and change his diaper—you’ll last a couple of days!»

«How long?!» the young father gasped. «I thought a couple or three hours! What, a couple of days?! Are you heading to a sanatorium?! What are they going to do there that takes so long to stay in the hospital?!»

«How would I know, Vadik?» she sank onto a stool and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. «I’m scared myself—the doctor said something worrying. They write such horrors on the internet… I’m very scared.»

«Hey, mom! Don’t stir things up!» he approached her but didn’t dare to embrace her. He knew that now was not the time to touch her. Natalia couldn’t stand pity—she didn’t want to be seen as weak.

«Everything will be fine, Nat!» Vadik said and lightly tugged her ponytailed hair. «We’ll manage! I’ll think of something…»

«Vadik, what can you think of?» Natalia shook her head. «The polyp needs to be removed, even if you burst. There’s no one else to leave Mishka with but you. I’m freaking out for no reason and worrying about our son. What can you think of?»

«If it needs to be removed, then lie down and don’t think about anything!» Vadik confidently said and hugged her. «Mishka and I will not disappear—we are men or what! Worry a little and start writing a childcare manual! Understood?»

Natalia pressed against him, inhaled his scent, and felt that there was no one dearer to her in the world. Vadik and Mishenka—that was the most precious thing she had. Unfortunately, her mom had gone to the country for a week in another region, and Natalia didn’t want to bother her. She tended to panic about anything, and here was plenty of room for it—a joke, her daughter was facing surgery…

A few days later, after submitting the necessary tests and writing a detailed childcare manual, pumping and freezing breast milk, Natalia lay down in the hospital. Vadik drove her and now sat in the car, looking at his son. Nerves were frayed—the young mother understood that her son was not with a stranger, but Vadik was poorly oriented in reality. He was a programmer, and everything that happened around him, not in the monitor, often puzzled him.

The young father had no idea how to cope with a child—almost all responsibilities lay on Natalia’s shoulders. Vadik was trusted only to walk with his son outside, and that for a couple of hours. Now, by his understanding, harsh trials had come into his life, and he had a poor idea of how to deal with them, but he didn’t show it.

«Well, brother? Shall we go home, we’ll fight together,» he said to his son lying in the tiny portable crib. Mishenka’s nose wrinkled, and the child suspiciously grunted.

«Here we go…» Vadik sighed and pulled out of the hospital parking lot. «Mikhail! Hang on until we get home! Otherwise, we’ll suffocate!»

He accelerated quickly but carefully—Vadik was transporting the most precious thing his wife had entrusted to him, and he could not let her down. Vadik loved Natashka, although she was slightly scatterbrained and unpredictable. They had been married for five years and had not planned to have a child, but Mishka decided that he was very needed by his parents and appeared without asking permission. How this happened, Natasha and Vadik still could not understand—they knew perfectly well how to avoid unwanted pregnancy. If it weren’t for a moment of passion that overwhelmed them outside the city at a friend’s cottage.

That’s when Mishka happened…

At first, they were confused, not knowing what to do with it, but then, when they saw the genuine joy in their parents’ eyes, they realized that happiness had knocked on their door not by accident. And Mishenka was born.

He was a healthy and very calm child, only he could not stand hunger—the baby would start screaming as if cut, if there was even a minute’s delay in feeding.

He demanded his due, and Natalia prayed to God that her eardrums would not burst and the neighbors would not file a police report against her for abusing the infant.

Now, as Vadik drove his son home, he first began to grunt, making suspicious sounds, and then began to cry. It was not a cautious whimper—Vadik thought a siren had been turned on at full volume.

«Oh Lord!» he prayed, pressing the gas pedal harder. «Not this!»

When they raced home, Mishka was screaming like a victim and had no intention of stopping.

«Vadik, what happened to you?» a neighbor asked in the hallway as Vadik raced past her with a screaming infant in the crib.

«Oh, Mariya Gavrilovna! Don’t even ask!» Vadik threw over his shoulder as he ran into the elevator. «I wish I knew myself!»

When they were in the apartment, Mishenka miraculously quieted down, and Vadik suspiciously looked at him.

«What’s up, bro?» he tugged at the baby’s leg. «Are you alive?»

Misha looked displeased at his father and wrinkled his nose again.

«Okay! Calm down!» the father pleaded, pulling off his jacket. «I’m coming! Just don’t scream!»

He quickly washed his hands—Misha grunted unhappily, warning that he was getting hot and it would be nice to take off his suit.

«Right now, bro!» Vadik carefully pulled the baby’s body out of the clothes and realized, judging by the smell, that a surprise awaited him. «Not this! Are you doing this on purpose?!»

Rolling his eyes, trying not to breathe, Vadik unpacked the baby, discovered that there was a lot of «surprise» and that wipes would not suffice.

«Alright, bro, we’re going to wash!» Vadik decisively said, pushing the bathroom door open. «How does mom check the water, so as not to boil your butt? With an elbow, it seems?»

Somehow managing with the slippery body of the baby, Vadik dried him off, put on a new diaper, and breathed a sigh of relief—Mishka lay content and didn’t even peep.

«Well done, boy!» he praised his son. «Guess we’re good! Maybe you’ll even let me work, huh?»

Mishenka thought otherwise—it was feeding time, and delaying it was not his style.

«Ah! Here we go!» Vadik shook his head as his son began to whimper and then burst into full cry. «Then lunch! What work here?»

Half an hour later, when Misha finally fell asleep on his father’s chest, having eaten and burped on his clean T-shirt, Vadik dialed a familiar number and whispered:

«I’m screwed! Come over—I have a burning project, and I won’t finish on time with Mishka! Well, are you a woman or what?!»

That same evening, Natalia called her husband and heard strange sounds in the background—a female voice humming a lullaby.

«Vadim! What’s happening!» she asked sternly. «Who is in our apartment?!»

«Nobody…» the husband mumbled, and the sounds stopped. «How are you?»

«I’m fine!» Natalia roared. «Don’t try to talk your way out of this! Answer me, whose female voice is singing a song to our child?!»

«Natash, why are you stirring things up?» he said a bit more confidently. «Mishenka and I are fine! He’s clean, fed, and sleeping contentedly. Want, I’ll turn on a video call! See for yourself that everything’s alright.»

«I’ll turn you on now!» Natalia flared up, feeling that her husband was lying. «Go around the rooms and show everything! Give me Mishenka!»

«Give him the phone?» Vadik was bewildered.

«Are you an idiot?!» the wife fumed. «Show me him!»

«Ah, now…» the man turned on the camera. «Just don’t get nervous, it might be harmful for you…»

«It’s going to be harmful for you now!» she threatened, not willing to believe her own husband. «What are you even doing?!»

«Nat, what are you?» Vadik defended himself, showing her the sleeping son. «See? The boy is sleeping—satisfied and content, and you’re waking him up!»

Natalia looked at her son and couldn’t hold back her tears—she realized how much she had missed him in the few hours spent in the hospital. Everything was already behind her, and the doctor said that the patient could go home tomorrow. However, he took a promise from her that she would not lift the child for several days and then start taking care of her health very attentively.

«Can I go home today, doctor?» Natalia plaintively asked. «I have a tiny son at home…»

«I know,» the doctor smiled, an elderly man in old glasses. «But you, mommy, need rest. You’ll tire yourself out with the son—there’s a whole life ahead. And children, if you didn’t know, need a healthy mother, as does a husband… So, don’t plan on leaving before tomorrow. And now—rest! You won’t have such an opportunity at home—I know you women!»

Natalia sighed and dialed Vadik’s number. At that moment, she heard a female voice «off-camera.» Now, two feelings struggled inside Natalia—she saw that Mishenka was sleeping and everything was fine with him, but something suspicious was in all of this, and it very unpleasantly scratched the young woman’s imagination.

«You’re not telling me everything, my dear…,» a restless thought twirled in Natalia’s head. «Well, let’s see what you’ll sing tomorrow…»

«Alright, Vadik!» she said sarcastically into the phone. «Let’s talk tomorrow, I kiss you!»

«And we kiss you!» the husband hurriedly replied, relieved that it was over, and Natalia quickly believed that everything was fine with them and Mishenka. «Tomorrow we’ll pick you up! Write what time!»

They parted—Natalia lay down in the hospital bed and continued to paint terrible pictures in her mind with another woman in her house. Meanwhile, Vadik sat down at the monitor, hoping to finish the project by morning.

«Are you going to eat?» a female voice asked from the kitchen. «Because I wanted to clear the table.»

«Rit, leave everything—I’ll eat and clean up later,» Vadik responded, not taking his eyes off the screen. «I’m burning, I’m done for…»

«Come on, what are you?» the woman chuckled. «You always make it in time…»

Vadik nodded and tapped the keys, half-listening to the sounds in the nursery. Fortunately, the baby was sleeping peacefully, and the father had nothing left to do but sigh and immerse himself in his work completely.

Early in the morning, a key turned in the lock, and Natalia cautiously entered the apartment. In the hallway, she saw fashionable women’s shoes, and everything inside went cold—she thought exactly that Vadik was lying to her.

«Alright!» she said loudly, walking into the room and seeing her husband’s half-asleep, frightened expression. He sat with red, tired eyes at the laptop and stared bewilderedly at the woman appearing in the doorway.

«Natalia…» he whispered and rubbed his eyes.

«Not expecting, darling?» she frowned. «What’s up? Caught off guard?»

«Well, yes…» he mumbled, not knowing what to do. «You were supposed to write when to come pick you up…»

«I decided not to bother you, dear!» the wife venomously smirked and headed to the nursery. «You have to take care of your loved ones, look after them…»

She entered her son’s room—he was sweetly sleeping, snoring softly, and slightly smiling. Natalia adjusted the blanket and tiptoed out. Vadik stood in the middle of the room, smiling guiltily.

«Oh, Natashka!» she heard a familiar female voice from their bedroom. «You’re back already? Well, then I’m going, I need to drive the kids to school. Andryukha is there alone fighting with them!»

On the threshold of the marital bedroom stood Rita—the wife of Vadik’s older brother. The woman, in her early thirties, stretched and covered a yawn with her palm.

«Your milk I took out of the freezer, you can heat it already…,» she said slowly, starting to gather. «Mishutka almost slept through the night, only fed him at four. Otherwise, all is well—your boy is calm, not like our rascals grew up. Had to shake them in my arms all night. So, guys, consider yourselves lucky.»

Natalia stood and shifted her gaze from her husband, shuffling from foot to foot, to the half-asleep Rita. She calmly put on her shoes, kissed Natalia on the cheek, waved to Vadik, and left the apartment.

«What is this?!» Natalia finally came to her senses, asking insistently in a whisper. «How did Rita end up here?!»

«Well, how, how? Normally!» Vadik hissed back. «Through the door! I asked her to help with Mishenka! I have a burning project! How do you imagine—work and sit with a child? I’m not you—I can do everything myself! I only have two hands, not ten! Either he dumps in the diaper, or he wants a drink, or to eat! Had to call Ritka, luckily Andryukha understood me—he’s an experienced father…»

Natalia, exhausted, sank onto the sofa and covered her face with her hands.

«Nat, what’s wrong?» Vadik sat down next to her, frightened. «Did it hurt?»

Natalia began to shake with laughter—she covered her face with her hands and couldn’t stop. Vadik recoiled in fright—he thought his wife’s roof had slightly moved.

«Vadik, I’m stupid!» she stopped for a second and wiped away tears. «I thought you dragged another woman into our house! I thought you had a mistress and she was rocking our child while I was away! Imagine how stupid I am?!»

Vadik’s eyes bulged, not understanding how seriously she was speaking.

«What mistress?! Are you out of your mind?!» he was outraged. «I love you!»

«I’m telling you—I’m stupid!» Natalia laughed and hugged her angry, devil-like husband. «How do you put up with me?»

«And I know? Because such crazies are hard to find…» he shook his head and pressed his wife to him. «I missed you, fool…»

Svetlana sat on a bench outside the maternity hospital. Her heart was heavy with the realization of the mistake she had made. Perhaps it would have been better to leave the baby here for the state to take care of. But there was no other choice left — her partner had disappeared without a trace once he learned of the pregnancy. It later turned out he was a married man, looking only for some side amusement.

She couldn’t abandon her child. Now, because of her indecision, the baby risked being without warmth and food. Svetlana, through tears, looked at the tiny nose peeking out from under the blanket.

Svetlana lost her parents early. Their house burned down six months after their death; the firefighters assured it was due to old wiring. The only option left was to go to her father’s sister. However, the aunt received her coldly; she already had three children of her own.

Svetlana found a job and hoped for the best. Then she met Saveliy — a handsome young man with a fancy car. When her aunt learned of the romance, she demanded that Svetlana leave her house. Saveliy helped her find a room in a dormitory, but now even that roof over her head was lost.

Svetlana wiped her tears, trying to gather her thoughts. What to do next?

There was a noise behind the bushes — two nurses came out to smoke.

«Gal, did you see how today Tamara Ivanovna’s husband picked her up?» asked one.

«Of course. I feel sorry for her, such a good doctor. But nobody is insured against that. She lost a child and can no longer have children, yet she delivers babies every day.»

«I don’t know how I would handle it. But she’s an excellent doctor and a wonderful person.»

«Yes, they had waited so long for this pregnancy. They are already over forty. And the house they built…»

Svetlana looked at her son and whispered, «Forgive me. I hope everything turns out as I planned.»

She headed to the church to think over her decision. Inside, she silently cried for almost an hour and only left when the baby began to fuss. Finding a secluded spot, she decided to take a walk.

In the park, she watched the ducks, but she couldn’t stay there long. There were too many families with children around. She realized she wouldn’t be able to walk with her son or teach him to play ball. Her life seemed to be over, but her heart and soul remained with the child.

It was getting dark. Svetlana stood in front of a new house with a green roof. The windows were lit, but no one was visible inside. She gently kissed the baby on the nose and walked to the house, choking with sobs and pain.

On the spacious porch, she carefully placed a box she had found at the dump. Inside, she laid the infant, who immediately began to cry. Svetlana tightly shut her eyes, and his cry echoed in her heart.

She pressed the doorbell and held the button for a long time, then quickly ran away. Hiding behind a tree, she listened to the baby’s cry. A loud male voice came from the house:

«Tamara, come here, quickly!»

Svetlana clenched the sleeve of her jacket, suppressing the desire to scream and run to the baby.

A woman appeared at the doorstep, who gently picked up the baby.

«Tolya, come into the house quickly. Get inside!»

The door closed, and the baby’s cry dissolved into silence.

Exhausted, Svetlana sat down on the cold ground by the tree trunk. She didn’t know how much time had passed until she woke up. Opening her eyes, she saw that it had gotten dark. Svetlana headed to the city’s edge — there was nothing left for her here. Her documents were in her pocket, though they now seemed useless.

An hour later, she reached the highway, and half an hour later, a truck picked her up. The driver, an elderly man, was heading north, and she said she needed to go there too.

«Matvey, how happy I am to see you!» exclaimed a woman when her son got out of the car and warmly hugged her.

«Mom, stop sitting in the heat. You know about your blood pressure,» said Matvey.

«Ah, stop that nonsense! Where’s my sunshine?»

A young woman got out of the car, holding a toddler. The boy was about two years old; his eyes were still sleepy, but as soon as he saw his grandmother, he immediately perked up:

«Ba!»

«Come to me, my joy!» Tamara Ivanovna opened her arms wide.

The daughter-in-law handed her the grandson and playfully remarked: «You’re staying with him for two days, and we can relax a bit with Matvey.»

Tamara Ivanovna laughed: «Rest well! You have the weekend, and I have the chance to see my grandson once a month.»

Matvey winked: «Mom, we’ll definitely rest. I brought fishing rods, planning to teach Vera how to fish. How’s our river? Hasn’t it dried up?»

«Fishing?» Vera snorted. «There haven’t been fish there for a long time. And you, instead of spending time with your mom, plan to hang out by the water! Better help with the preserves. I remember how we used to make compotes and jams with your mother…»

Matvey theatrically sighed: «Ah, caught me! Alright, I’ll fix the fence. It’s about time. By the way, Pashka called yesterday, wondering how we’re doing here.»

The day flew by unnoticed, and Matvey slyly smiled, never revealing the main thing: they came not just for the weekend, but for a three-week vacation. After his father’s death, his mother changed significantly, although she tried to hide her sorrows.

Matvey had long settled in another city, continuing his mother’s business and becoming a renowned doctor. He supervised the most complex operations and deliveries. He started right here before receiving an offer to work in a new perinatal center.

Vera, an accountant at the same center, became his life partner. Despite their desire to visit relatives often, Matvey’s tight schedule made it difficult. But now they decided to take a vacation to help his mother and take care of household matters.

The next evening, the family decided to have a barbecue. Andryusha, their son, happily played in the sandbox with toy cars. Matvey and his childhood friend Pashka planned the roof repair, then discussed work on Pavel’s house. The latter joked that a good plan is already half the success, and a reason for a toast.

Tamara Ivanovna, busy in the kitchen, pretended to be angry at the men, but her face glowed with happiness. Gathering the whole family was a rarity.

«Mom, we have news for you,» Matvey broke the silence.

«What news, son?» she asked curiously.

«Wait, first I need to check your reaction,» he grinned, lightly tapping her with a towel. «We’re staying with you for three weeks!»

Tamara Ivanovna sat down on the bench, shocked by the news: «Why didn’t you tell me earlier? This is wonderful!»

She wiped away tears of joy. Matvey asked worriedly: «Mom, why are you crying?»

«These are tears of happiness, dear,» she replied, smiling warmly.

The family talked for a long time, discussing various topics, and didn’t notice when an unfamiliar woman appeared at the gate. Matvey got up and approached her:

«Hello! Are you coming to us? Please, come in, mom is home.»

The woman entered the yard and hesitantly approached the table: «Sorry if I’m interrupting.»

Vera examined the guest, then glanced at Tamara Ivanovna and noticed how she suddenly turned pale and clutched her heart.

«Tamara Ivanovna, what’s wrong with you?» Vera cried out, rushing to her.

Matvey and Pashka quickly seated her in the house, measured her blood pressure, and gave her a sedative.

When Tamara Ivanovna had somewhat recovered, Matvey went back outside:

«Where’s that woman?» he asked, looking around.

Vera looked at her husband: «She disappeared as soon as Tamara Ivanovna felt better. I don’t understand who she could be. Maybe an acquaintance of your mom?»

«Perhaps one of our distant relatives,» Matvey guessed.

Pavel and Vera exchanged surprised glances.

«How can you be so sure she’s a relative?» asked Vera. «Although… her features do seem familiar. Look in the mirror! If I didn’t know your story, I’d think you were mother and son,» she mused thoughtfully.

Matvey turned to Pasha, puzzled: «Yes, strikingly similar. I swear,» he added.

Matvey sat down on the bench, lost in thought: «What could all this mean? Could she be related to my biological parents? But why have I never seen her before?»

At that moment, Tamara Ivanovna’s voice rang out: «No, Matvey, she’s not our relative… to us and your father. But for you… Yes, she is your real mother.»

Matvey turned pale, and Vera squeezed his hand tightly: «Who?» she whispered.

Tamara Ivanovna sighed deeply: «I’ve been hiding this from you for a long time. All these years, I hoped she wouldn’t appear again… Didn’t understand why she did what she did. But I couldn’t find the strength to start this conversation.»

She began her story: how they had dreamed of a child, but fate was cruel to them. Losing their own baby was a real tragedy for her. But one evening, a doorbell brought a note: «Please give him what I can’t. Give him happiness.»

«Back then, when we had means and authority in the town, we took it as a sign from above. We had to change jobs and move to another district to avoid unnecessary questions. Over time, everyone forgot, and everyone thought you were our own son. I love you with all my heart; you’ve always been the most precious person to me. But Svetlana… She didn’t leave you just like that. It wasn’t her choice, believe me. Half a year ago, she found me, told her story. It wasn’t her fault.

«Mom, do you want me to meet her?» Matvey asked after a long pause.

Vera placed her hand on her husband’s shoulder: «I think it’s necessary. Otherwise, this mystery will haunt you.»

«But where do I look for her?» Matvey wondered.

Pasha, approaching the gate, noted: «She’s there, standing by the tree and crying.»

Matvey stood up, unsure what to say to this woman who once left him. His thoughts were confused: he had grown up with a loving mother and father, now deceased. These images seemed solid, but now everything was crumbling. Nevertheless, his legs carried him to her.

«Hello. We need to talk,» he said uncertainly.

The woman looked up in fright, then timidly touched his shoulder: «I don’t want anything from you, Matvey. Just listen to me…»

Three years passed. Matvey was again in the yard, where every free moment was spent surrounded by family.

«Mom! Where is everyone? Round up the grandkids!» he shouted cheerily.

Andrey ran out of the car, followed by Vera with a little daughter in her arms. Svetlana and Tamara Ivanovna ran out to meet them.

«Oh, my God! We’ve been on the lookout all day, and still we were late!» laughed Tamara Ivanovna.

Svetlana had bought a house nearby, and their relationship had warmed. Initial caution was replaced by sincere friendship. Now they enjoyed the grandchildren together and discussed family matters. In the evenings, both women shared stories: Tamara with memories of Matvey’s childhood, and Svetlana with her trials.

Now they had formed a special, but strong family. Matvey often joked: «Who would have thought—I, a doctor helping women become mothers, ended up with two mothers, and my children with three grandmothers! Life is full of surprises.»

«Well, son, tell me, how is it in the city?» his mother bustled around the stove, constantly adding hot pies to the plate.

Nikita smiled, looking at her gray crown. Always the same—always in motion, always busy. Just more wrinkles and a bit more bent back.

«It’s quiet, mom. We finally finished the renovation.»

«And how did it turn out?» she sat next to him, wiping her hands on her apron.

«My Sveta did great. She chose the wallpaper herself, even put it up. I just helped with the ceilings and changed the wiring.»

«Oh, she’s a good one…»

«Yes, a good one,» Nikita nodded. «Just gets very tired. Her school workload is huge, and then there was the renovation.»

Outside, a neighbor’s cow mooed, the smell of freshly cut grass and mom’s pies filled the air. Just like in childhood—only he himself was different now. A city dweller.

«Mom, let me at least fix the fence while I’m here. It’s really leaning.»

«Oh, son, leave it.»

«No, it needs to be done. And I’ll patch up the roof in the barn—it’s leaking, isn’t it?»

«It is,» she sighed. «Just never got around to calling someone.»

He spent the whole day tending to the house. Fixed the fence, patched the roof, even weeded the garden beds—his mother kept saying it wasn’t necessary, that she could handle it. But how could she manage? She was all alone.

In the evening, after washing up, he went to the store for bread. At the porch of the local shop, the village grannies gossiped:

«That dog’s still sitting at the bus stop.»

«How many days now?»

«Well, it’s been a month since its owner took off to the city.»

The big red dog indeed sat at the bus stop. He’d lift his head at the sound of a motor, peer into the windows of the approaching bus, and lower his head again when it drove away.

The locals were used to it:

«Ah, that’s Ryzhik waiting for his owner.»

«Poor thing, doesn’t understand that no one’s coming back.»

«Such loyal creatures, dogs.»

Nikita began to watch him. Something about this dog touched his soul—perhaps the hopeful gaze, perhaps the stubborn loyalty with which he waited.

«Whose dog is this?» he once asked Baba Klava, a local elder.

«That’s Vitka’s!» she exclaimed, waving her hands. «He moved to the city to be with his daughter. Left the dog behind.» She gestured dismissively. «Now it waits, the silly thing.»

Something snapped inside. Nikita remembered Vitka well—always drunk, always owing money. He gambled away in cards, drove his wife away to the point that she ran off. And probably got the dog on a whim when it was fashionable to have Labradors.

You scoundrel, Vitka. A real scoundrel.

The next day, Nikita brought food to the bus stop. Ryzhik initially hesitated but then approached. He ate eagerly but carefully—it was clear he was a domestic, well-behaved dog. And such sadness lingered in his brown eyes.

Returning to his mother, Nikita stood on the porch, lost in thought.

«I’ll take him,» he decided, not realizing he had spoken aloud.

«Take who?» His mother just came out to the porch, wiping her hands on her apron.

«The dog, mom. That Ryzhik from the bus stop.»

«What?!» The apron flew to the railing. «Are you out of your mind, son? What about a dog? You just did a renovation in your apartment!»

Nikita sighed. He knew it wouldn’t be easy.

«Mom, I just can’t leave him here. He’ll die otherwise.»

«And what will your Sveta say?» His mother planted her hands on her hips. «Did you even consult with her?»

«She likes dogs.»

«She likes them, but who will clean up after it? Who will walk it? You’re both at work all day!»

She sat down on the steps, shaking her head.

«You’ve always been like this… Jump into the deep end without thinking. Remember how you brought that kitten home in fifth grade? And then you ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. Who took care of it? I did!»

«Mom, but I’m not in fifth grade anymore.»

«And still the same!» she threw her hands up in exasperation. «Always saving someone… Have you thought about yourself? About your wife? That’s a responsibility!»

«And leaving him there isn’t a responsibility?» Nikita asked softly. «Like Vitka—got it for fun and then threw it away? You think that’s right?»

His mother fell silent. She stared into the distance, fiddling with the edge of her apron.

«Alright,» she finally exhaled. «Do what you think is best. Just—»

«What?»

«Call Sveta. Right now. So she doesn’t say you put her in front of a done deal later.»

Nikita indeed called. But he didn’t dare say right away that he was taking the dog. He decided to prepare his wife gradually. So, he just told her about the lonely dog whose owner had abandoned it.

But it turned out not so simple to just take the dog. At the leaning gate of Vitka’s house, he was met by his mother—swollen, with cloudy eyes:

«What do you want?»

«I came for the dog.»

«Ah,» she squinted. «Five hundred rubles—and take it.»

«You don’t even feed him!» Nikita protested.

«We have nothing to eat ourselves!» Vitka’s brother emerged, just as disheveled. «Give us a thousand—or get lost!»

Lord, they were treating him like an object. Like an old sofa up for sale.

He had to call the local policeman.

«Petrovich? This is Nikita Voronin. Remember, in school…»

«Ah, Voronin! How could I forget—you always stood up for someone, fought with Vitka often.»

«Well, it’s Vitka again. Rather, his dog.»

The local policeman arrived in twenty minutes. He parked his UAZ by the leaning fence, surveying the overgrown yard:

«Mmm. It’s getting worse and worse here.»

Ryzhik, seeing the man in uniform, pressed his ears back and retreated. Petrovich crouched down, extended his hand:

«Come here, buddy, don’t be afraid. Did they hurt you here?»

The dog cautiously approached, sniffed the hand. His tail twitched slightly—perhaps he sensed a friend.

«Officer!—» Vitka’s brother stumbled out of the house, trying to look sober. «We were just, you know, relaxing culturally.»

«I see your relaxation,» Petrovich grimaced. «Where’s the mother?»

«Let me call her! Mom, the cop’s here!»

Vitka’s mother crawled out onto the porch, wrapping herself in a torn robe:

«What’s again? We didn’t do anything.»

«Yeah, you always don’t!» Petrovich suddenly shouted, his voice so stern that even Ryzhik flinched. «Your son abandoned the dog—it’s a crime under Article 245 of the Criminal Code. You distill moonshine—another crime. And judging by the smell from the shed, there’s a lot more interesting stuff there. Shall we write up a report?»

The mother turned pale:

«What report, Petrovich? We’re neighbors.»

«And I’m saying—we’re neighbors. So maybe we can solve this neighborly? Give up the dog—and we’ll go our separate ways.»

Vitka’s brother started to object, but his mother poked him in the side:

«Take him.»

«Write a statement that you won’t have any claims.»

Petrovich pulled out a notebook and handed it to the owner:

«And sign here.»

In the car, Nikita asked:

«What if they hadn’t agreed?»

«Where would they go?» Petrovich chuckled. «They have such a list of charges. But the main thing—they treat the dog as property. And they know how to trade property.»

He turned to Ryzhik in the back seat:

«Well, fighter, home? To a new owner?»

The dog softly whimpered and licked the extended hand. Perhaps thanking, or asking—really going home?

They drove home in silence. Nikita occasionally glanced in the rearview mirror—Ryzhik lay down, resting his muzzle on his paws, watching the road attentively. Not whining, not fidgeting—as if he understood that he was being taken to a new life.

«Sveta will kill me,» Nikita muttered, dialing his wife’s number.

«Where are you?» her familiar voice came through the phone.

«I’m, uh, heading home. And not alone.»

«Oh God, don’t tell me that.»

«Yes,» he exhaled. «I’m bringing a dog.»

Silence hung in the phone.

«The one from the bus stop?»

«Yeah.»

«You fool, Nikita,» tears were audible in his wife’s voice. «Such a fool. I love you.»

At home, Ryzhik first toured the entire apartment, sniffing every corner. He stopped at the brand new sofa, looked questioningly at the owners.

«Just not on the sofa!» Sveta jokingly wagged her finger.

The dog sighed and lay down on the rug. Five minutes later, Sveta was sitting on the same rug, hugging the red neck and cooing:

«Who’s our smart boy? Who’s so handsome?»

As Nikita fell asleep that night, he felt a warm, furry body wriggling at his feet. They let him on the bed after all—where else to go.

A week later, his mother called:

«Vitka showed up! Apparently, he couldn’t get along with his daughter, sold the apartment. Now he’s wandering around here, asking about the dog.»

Nikita turned cold:

«And what?»

«Nothing!» his mother snorted. «Petrovich explained to him what would happen if he started making trouble. And what rights does he have? He abandoned the animal—he lost all rights.»

They were silent on the phone.

«Son?»

«Yes, mom?»

«Bring him over sometime… Ryzhik, I mean. I’m cooking porridge, got some bones. And I miss him already.»

Nikita smiled:

«We’ll come over the weekend, mom.»

And Ryzhik, as if understanding what was being discussed, approached and rested his head on Nikita’s knee.

«Did you see what she arrived in today? They say daddy gave it to her for her birthday.»

«And the bag? Easily costs a couple hundred thousand!»

«Forget the bag. Look at her manicure—those rhinestones alone are worth my monthly stipend!»

Marina frowned, listening to her classmates whisper. Vika Solovyeva, the only daughter of a well-known developer, as usual, sat in proud solitude at the back of the classroom, absentmindedly flipping through something on her gold-encased phone.

Her long, blonde hair fell in perfect curls over her shoulders, and her impeccable makeup made her look like an expensive porcelain doll.

«I wonder what goes through their heads?» Marina thought, sneaking a glance at her classmate. In two years of study, Vika had hardly spoken a couple of dozen words to anyone. She arrived at classes in luxurious cars (seemingly a new one every month), aced her exams impeccably, and disappeared without taking part in any student life.

«Probably just thinks about clothes,» snorted Katya, Marina’s friend, following her gaze. «Typical rich girl. I heard her on the phone yesterday—every other word was ‘Milan’ or ‘Paris’.»

Marina nodded, though something inside resisted this simple explanation. Sometimes, she caught a strange expression in Vika’s eyes—as if she saw through everyone, thinking about something distant and not at all glamorous.

«Remember how she did her environmental thesis last semester? About the impact of humans on wild animal populations. Where does a ‘typical rich girl’ get such a topic?»

«Come on,» Katya dismissed. «Probably her dad’s aides wrote it. She just put on lipstick and read it out.»

But Marina remembered that day. She remembered how Vika’s eyes lit up when she talked about the issues facing homeless animals. How her voice quivered as she showed statistics on animal cruelty. At that moment, she seemed completely different—alive, genuine.

But then she put the mask of cold aloofness back on.

Their chance encounter happened on a chilly November evening. Marina rushed out of the shopping center, clutching a bag of groceries, and stopped dead in her tracks.

At the entrance, squatting down, Vika Solovyeva was feeding a large stray dog. Her perfect fingers with holographic manicure carefully broke off pieces of sausage. The dog—dirty, with matted fur and clearly a hurt paw—devoured the treat greedily.

«Easy, easy, don’t rush,» Vika’s voice, usually cold and detached, sounded unusually soft. «Haven’t eaten in a while, poor thing? I know, I know.»

The wind fluttered her expensive coat, but she seemed not to notice the cold or the dirt under her knees.

It had always been there, Marina suddenly realized. Those strange absences from classes, mysterious departures from lectures, secretive phone calls. She remembered seeing a bag of dog food in Vika’s bag once and didn’t think much of it—maybe she had a pedigree dog at home.

After feeding all the sausage, Vika suddenly took the dog’s face in her manicured hands and spoke, looking straight into the dog’s brown eyes:

«You know, I understand you. Really, really. It’s like no one sees the real you, right?»

The dog whimpered softly.

«I remember begging my parents to get a dog when I was a kid,» Vika continued, as if talking to herself. «But dad kept saying, ‘Why do you want a mongrel? If you want, we’ll buy a pedigree puppy from a breeder. With a pedigree, with diplomas.’ But I just wanted a friend. A real one. Someone who would love not for expensive gifts and status.»

Marina felt a lump in her throat. Suddenly, she saw a completely different Vika—not the glamorous cover girl, but a lonely girl who had hidden her true self behind a perfect facade.

«Okay, no more sadness!» Vika stood up decisively, dusting off her coat. «Let’s go.»

To Marina’s astonishment, the dog, limping, followed the girl. Without hesitation, Vika opened the back door of her impeccably clean car.

«Come on, buddy, jump in. We’ll take you to the vet, then we’ll figure something out.»

«Hey, what are you doing?!» Marina blurted out.

Vika turned around, and for a moment, their eyes met. There was no embarrassment or defiance in them—only a deep, hidden sadness and determination.
«What I consider right,» she simply replied, helping the dog into the car. «You know, sometimes you just have to be yourself. Even if everyone around expects something different from you.»

With those words, she got behind the wheel and drove away, leaving Marina in complete bewilderment.

I will continue the story, revealing Vika’s story and developing the plotline.

The next day, Vika did not show up for classes. And she was absent the day after that as well. Marina found herself constantly looking at the empty spot at the last desk, wondering in her head: where did she take that dog? What happened to it?

By the end of the week, curiosity got the better of her. After classes, Marina gathered her courage and approached some classmates who were closer to Vika.

«Do you know where Solovyeva is? Haven’t seen her for a while.»

«Who knows,» shrugged Anton. «Maybe she’s off to Europe again. Although,» he paused, «lately her car has been seen often near some old warehouse.»

Marina immediately remembered a conversation she had overheard Vika having on the phone: «No, dad, I can’t come now. I have important things to do. Yes, more important than the show in Milan!»

It was as if the pieces of a puzzle were starting to fit together.

An hour later, Marina was driving to the old industrial district. She didn’t even know why—after all, a week had passed since that encounter. But a persistent inner voice insisted that she was on the right track.

Near the dilapidated building of the former warehouse, there was a familiar car. And from around the corner came the sound of lively barking.

Marina cautiously looked around the corner and froze. In an inner courtyard, enclosed by a high fence, dozens of dogs were running, playing, and simply basking in the sun. There were large and very small dogs, well-cared for and some not yet fully nourished. In the midst of this canine kingdom stood Vika—in simple jeans and an old sweatshirt, her hair casually tied back—distributing food among the bowls.

«I’ve been wondering when you’d figure it out,» she suddenly said without turning around.

«How long have you been doing this?» Marina managed to ask.

«Almost a year,» Vika sat down to pet a puppy that ran up to her. «At first, I just fed them on the streets. Then I started treating them. And then I realized they needed a home. At least a temporary one. Dad gave me money for a new car—I bought this warehouse. I did most of the renovations myself, spent almost all summer here.»

«That’s why you never went to parties with us?» Marina guessed.

«Yes. You know, all those expensive clothes, cars, parties—it’s all a facade. Dad’s dream, not mine. But here, I am real.»

Vika finally turned around, and Marina saw in her eyes that same expression—only now she understood it was not emptiness, but a deep, all-consuming love. Love for those who had been abandoned, betrayed, who had lost hope of finding a home.

«You know, that dog you saw at the shopping center has already found a home,» Vika smiled. «Generally, they get adopted quite well. Especially if you don’t lie about their breed and titles, but just tell their stories. By the way, do you want to help? We’re always short on hands.»

And Marina, looking at this completely new, unfamiliar, but so genuine Vika, suddenly realized—she wanted to. She really wanted to become part of this little miracle hidden behind the peeling walls of an old warehouse.

«Where do we start?» she asked, rolling up her sleeves.

Time flew by unnoticed. Marina now came to the shelter almost every evening. Gradually, she learned the stories of each dog, learned how to approach even the most distrustful ones. And she also got to know Vika better.
It turned out that behind the mask of a spoiled «rich girl» hid an amazing person with a big heart. Vika not only maintained the shelter with her own money but also ran a social media page where she shared the stories of her charges. Without embellishment, without unnecessary pomp—she simply wrote honestly about each dog’s fate.

«People need to know that they are not just taking in an animal, but a friend with its own character and history,» she explained to Marina. «Then there are fewer betrayals.»

That evening, they sat together on an old couch in the break room. Snow fell outside, and the shelter was quiet—the dogs had already had their dinner and were sleeping in their places.

«You know what I dream about?» Vika suddenly said. «I want to someday open a real shelter. A big, modern one, with a staff of veterinarians. So that we could help not only dogs but also cats. To have facilities for rehabilitating sick animals.»

«Why not now? You have the means.»

«My father,» Vika smiled sadly. «He thinks it’s a whim that will pass. He says there’s no point wasting time on homeless dogs when you could be building a career in his company. He doesn’t even know about this shelter—he thinks I spend the money on shopping.»

At that moment, Vika’s phone rang—it was «Dad» on the caller ID.

«Yes, dad. No, I can’t right now. I have an important meeting. Yes, more important than the Christmas reception.»

Marina saw how her friend was nervous, how her fingers trembled. And suddenly she decided:

«Maybe it’s time to tell him the truth?»

«He won’t understand.»

«Try it. Show him this place, tell him about your dream. You’re his daughter—surely he’ll want to make you happy?»

Vika was silent for a long time, staring into the darkness outside the window. Then she nodded resolutely:

«You’re right. Enough hiding. But I have a big favor to ask,» Vika nervously fiddled with her sweatshirt sleeve. «Could you be here tomorrow when I talk to my father?»

«Of course,» Marina replied without hesitation. «But why?»

«You see,» Vika hesitated. «I’m so afraid of this conversation. I fear his reaction, his disappointment. It will be easier if there’s someone here who understands me.»

Marina looked at her friend closely. It was strange to see her like this—flustered, uncertain. Where was the haughty beauty from the last desk?

«Of course. And you know what? Your father can’t fail to understand. You’re not just helping animals—you’re creating something important. It’s a business too, just a special one.»

Vika hugged her friend impulsively:

«Thank you. For believing in me. For staying to help that day. For everything.»

The next day she called her father and asked him to come for «a very important conversation.» Marina saw how nervous her friend was, how she nervously adjusted her hair, glancing at the clock.

When a stately Maybach pulled into the yard, Vika turned pale. But she squared her shoulders and went to meet her father.

Solovyev Sr., a tall, imposing man in an expensive suit, stopped at the threshold, surveying the territory of the shelter. His face was inscrutable.

«So this is where you’ve been disappearing to,» he finally said.

«Yes, dad. This is my shelter. These are dogs that need help. We treat them, feed them, and look for new homes.»

«We?»

«I and my friends—volunteers. Dad, I know you think this is a waste of time. But look…
Vika began to explain—about each dog, about how important it was to give them a chance, about her dream to create a real animal assistance center. She spoke passionately and fervently, and Marina saw how Solovyev Sr.’s expression gradually softened.

Then, a miracle happened. Babushka, an old dog with a gray muzzle that Vika had recently picked up on the highway, limped over to them. He cautiously sniffed Solovyev’s shoes and then trustingly pressed against his legs.

«Well, well,» he murmured. «Just like my Jack.»

«Jack? The dog from your childhood you told me about?»

«Yes. Just an ordinary mutt. Saved me from bullies when I was a boy. My most loyal friend.» Solovyev bent down to pet Babushka. «You know, I always wanted to open a shelter. After Jack. But life got in the way—business, money.»

He straightened up and looked intently at his daughter:

«But you’re making it happen. And your eyes sparkle. Will you show me your plans for the new center?»

Six months later, on the outskirts of the city, the modern «Faithful Friend» center for helping homeless animals opened. With spacious enclosures, the latest veterinary equipment, and a staff of specialists. At the opening, Vika and her father cut the red ribbon together—both in jeans and t-shirts with the center’s logo.

«You know,» Marina whispered to her friend, «you still became what your father wanted to see.»

«In what sense?»

«A successful businesswoman. Just in your own, special way.»

Vika smiled, watching her father enthusiastically tell the journalists about plans to expand the center.

«Probably. Sometimes you just need to gather courage and take off the mask. Then it turns out that something real was hiding under other people’s expectations all this time. You just have to let it show.»

She bent down to pet Babushka, who, as usual, was bustling nearby:

«Right, buddy?»

And the dog, as if agreeing, barked loudly, making everyone laugh.

Thus ended the story of a girl who was not afraid to be herself. And about how behind any mask, an amazing soul might be hiding—just needing a chance to reveal itself.