All Amazing Babies

Taya took a long time to get ready and kept twirling in front of the mirror, scrutinizing herself. After all, today was a big day! Sergey had invited her to a very expensive restaurant, most likely intending to propose. She also had a surprise for her beloved; she had learned the astonishing news yesterday—she was two months pregnant. Her beloved would be thrilled!

The girl was already looking forward to a soon-to-be wedding, a beautiful dress, and her beloved by her side. Finally, her luck had turned, even as a poor orphanage girl. She had just got a job as a waitress in a pizzeria when this guy started hitting on her. Rich, smart, gallant, he gave such bouquets, recited Yesenin’s poetry. She fell in love instantly, watching her idol as if spellbound, hanging on his every word. One thing saddened her, Sergey was in no rush to introduce her to his parents and friends, they met secretly and stealthily, like thieves… He always said he was too busy, too much work…

But everything went awry! As soon as the young man heard about the pregnancy, it was as if he changed; he began to shout and blame Taya for everything:

«You what were you thinking? What children? I have a contract with Spain on the line, fate is being decided! Well, nothing, I will arrange it, I will give money, you will go to a trusted doctor, to settle everything within a week!» he declared sharply.

Taya burst into tears, trying to reach out to her beloved:

«Sergey, what are you saying? I can’t kill the baby… It’s already alive in there, feeling everything! I thought you loved me and would be happy! Well, know this, I am going to have this baby!» she blurted out, like a scalded cat and dashed headlong back to her dormitory, jumping over puddles…

Sergey was furious! What a fool, a miserable orphan! He hadn’t even planned to have anything serious with her, just got carried away by a pretty waitress from the pizzeria, it happens to anyone. In fact, he already had a profitable match, the ambassador’s daughter, Anna, and his departure to Spain was only possible after their wedding. What to do now? And if this poor girl runs and tells everything to his father? Or someone else? It’s over! Then he accidentally saw an ad in the newspaper: «A tourist trip to Siberia! Romance, songs around the campfire, the beauty of the wild taiga forest! An unforgettable weekend!» «There’s my chance!» he thought. The main thing is to plan everything thoroughly, and leave her there, no one will even look for this orphan, she’ll disappear in the forest, so be it!

The next day, Taya couldn’t concentrate at work at all, everything was slipping from her hands. She had already been scolded twice and threatened with dismissal when suddenly there was a call. The excited girl picked up the phone, Sergey reported:

«Taya, my beloved, I was wrong and got carried away. Let’s make up, I suggest going on a super trip this weekend, a tour in the taiga forests! You’ve always dreamed of romance, haven’t you?» he pleaded.

The girl almost shouted with joy! «Hooray! He finally came to his senses! I knew he loved me!» she rejoiced and of course immediately agreed. They had never traveled together before, and she had missed it so much, three whole days with her beloved.

The beauty of the taiga amazed Taisiya to her core! Huge, mighty cedars, sprawling firs, a sea of cranberries and blackberries, and the purest, intoxicating air away from the polluted city. She listened with her mouth open to the guide and didn’t lag behind him for a step. The tour was coming to an end, only the last route and the way home were left for tomorrow. They spent the night in wooden guest houses near a small village of ten houses. Sergey was very nervous, his plan was under threat! The stubborn girl didn’t want to separate from the group: she happily sang songs with everyone and ate fish she had caught herself, baked on the campfire. The guy realized, it’s now or never.

He woke up the already dozing girl and excitedly began:

«Dear, help! I’ve lost my documents, apparently dropped them at the rest stop! Let’s go look! I can’t go anywhere without them, it takes a long time to replace them, there are bank cards and licenses there!»

Taya hesitated:

«Well, let’s already do it tomorrow, tell the guide, he will help, we’ll get lost ourselves? And it’s nighttime outside…»

But the wretched villain continued to press for pity:

«Well, look, will he turn the whole group around just because of me! Well, dear, it’s not far here, I remember our route perfectly! Besides, I’ll take a flashlight, we’ve always been on the path and never strayed deep!»

The trusting naive girl agreed and went to rescue her beloved, not even noticing a coil of rope under Sergey’s jacket. They walked for a long time, having lost their way from the daytime route, Taya was very tired and out of breath from the fast pace, she was cold and scared. At night, the forest was not at all gentle and friendly, she imagined predators under every bush and flinched at every crack of a branch…
Taya couldn’t take it anymore:

«Serezha, enough, I can’t go on! Your wallet is nowhere to be found, and you can’t see much with just a flashlight! Let’s go back, we’ll search more tomorrow!»

The young man behind her grimaced maliciously and whispered quietly:

«Well, you decided this yourself! May you be lost forever, idiot! I hate you!» – and he slammed a heavy log onto her head. The girl groaned and slumped to the ground.

To be sure, Sergey dragged the poor thing further away from the path, tightly tied her with a rope around a tree to make sure she couldn’t escape. He put a gag in her mouth and raced back to the camp faster than the wind. Her small, battered backpack, he hid in his heavy suitcase. He was shaking and pounding, afraid that she might survive and come running back. He didn’t have the courage to finish the job… He hoped that the wild animals in the dense forest would tear her apart, ending everything!

In the morning, Sergey approached the tour guide with a distressed look and reported:

«Alexander, you know, my fiancée and I argued last night, she didn’t like the romance here. She felt unwell and left by taxi in the middle of the night. I just called her, she’s waiting for the morning flight. And I think I will also fly home, I’m not in the mood to go with you, it will be lonely without my beloved.»

«What news,» the guide exclaimed, surprised, «first time I’ve encountered this! But well, we are all adults here, these things happen in families. If you like, we’ll be back by lunch, have a bite to eat, and the bus will come for us, but of course, it’s up to you. You have exactly thirty minutes to think it over while I get the group ready for the hike.»

Alexander was not perturbed by the man’s story, as tourists often took taxis to and from guesthouses. Moreover, it was clear: here was a well-to-do, respectable man, not a criminal, and there was no need for him to lie.

Sergey was elated! Hooray, everything worked out, he finally got rid of the annoying pest, now he just needed to quickly marry Anna and flee abroad to escape sin! How well everything turned out! This subhuman was not the least bit troubled that he had destroyed two lives with his own hands…

Taya woke up closer to noon, barely able to open her eyes… Her hands were numb and terribly sore, she was tightly tied to a tree. Mosquitoes had bitten her beyond recognition, her face was swollen and puffed up. But the worst was yet to come, looking around, the girl froze in horror. Two glowing wolf eyes were staring directly at her. The beast growled, baring its huge, yellowish fangs, its fur bristled, it smelled the scent of helpless prey and was preparing to feast! The animal moved closer and closer, the girl closed her eyes in terror, squinted tightly, and moaned, using her last strength, preparing to die a second time!

Suddenly, shots rang out, one, then another, very close, just inches from her… The frightened beast jumped to the side and disappeared into the bushes!

Above her loomed a burly man in camouflage clothing with an ugly scar across his face:

«Hey, are you alive? Hang on, I’ll untie you now! Who did this to you? Ay ay ay! What inhuman creatures!» — he lamented.

Finally, she was freed, Taya tried to stand up, but her frozen legs were numb and would not obey, her head was buzzing, she barely managed to whisper with her cracked, dry lips:

«Thank you!» – and she collapsed unconscious.

Ranger Mikhail just shook his head:

«What are you going to do?» – he picked up the weightless stranger in his arms and carried her to his cabin.

On the way, he pondered: «Where could she have come from? Judging by her clothes, definitely not a local. Maybe a tourist, they sometimes bring them here on excursions, could she be from there? But why tied up and with a serious head injury, someone really hit her hard! She miraculously survived, no doubt about it!»

For three whole weeks, he nursed the girl, fed her medicinal brews, brought down her fever, the stranger was delirious all the time, calling for some Serezha…

Finally, the crisis passed, and the girl came to herself. Taya lay on a huge, soft bed, smelling of tobacco and some spicy herbs. And she was afraid to speak, watching the huge man who fussed over her like a child. His fearsome appearance scared the guest, and that scar on his face with the thick beard.

The stranger started first:

«Well, beauty, I see you’re feeling better. I’m Mikhail, the local ranger. And what might your name be?»

«Taya I am…» she whispered softly.

«Well, Tayechka, tell me, how did you end up here? And who did this to you, and tied you up with ropes? Probably should report this to the police, they might be looking for you already?»

Taya remembered all the horrors she had experienced and burst into tears from the offense and hopelessness:

«I have nowhere to go! And no one is looking for me! And to die, my fiancé left me! Because I’m pregnant, and I didn’t want to have an abortion! And he deliberately arranged everything and left me here. His last words I remember: ‘I hate you!’ It would have been better if the beasts had really torn me apart! How am I to live now?» – and she wept bitterly.

Misha frowned:

«That’s how it is? Well, lie down for now, I need to think! And chase those dark thoughts away from yourself! Up there, it’s clearer, who is meant to live and who it’s time to die already!» – and he left, slamming the door behind him.

Taya listened, the burly man was chopping wood and piling it up. Ten minutes later, everything went quiet. He came in, sat on a chair next to her, and said:

«So, my dove, I believe you, I feel you’re not lying, your eyes are honest, and believe me, I’ve seen all sorts of people. Stay with me if you want, I won’t drive you away or reproach you. I don’t promise mountains of gold, life here is hard, work is necessary. But the taiga is generous, it feeds everyone, rich in its forest gifts! I’ll accept the child as my own, all fair and square. And if not, I won’t force you, go to the city if you must, I’ll help you get there» – and he went for another round in the forest.

Misha never expected this from himself. After all, he had long vowed never to let anyone close, especially women. Life had been harsh to him. He served in Afghanistan, was captured, and spent three years in a pit, enduring unimaginable hardships, and the scars lasted a lifetime. He then screamed through many nights like a madman, waking up in cold sweat. His mother did not survive the wait; she died miserable, and his fiancée, Alyonka, a traitor, rejected him as soon as she saw his disfigured face. So, he retreated deep into the forest and remained there as a gamekeeper. He loved his job and understood animals with a mere glance, and they reciprocated.

And then this meeting happened! At first, he felt incredibly sorry for this poor creature, but gradually, as he nursed her back to health, he unknowingly fell in love with her small, almost childlike hands, dimples on her slender cheeks, and her delicate blonde curly hair… Today, he decided to confess everything, come what may. He was a straightforward man, not skilled in lying or deceiving.

Late in the evening, as the man returned home carrying a hunted hare over his shoulder for dinner, he approached his cabin with anxiety. He tormented himself, wondering if she had given up on everything and left, or if she had stayed?

Seeing the light in the window, his heart felt lighter, and he smiled to himself through his bushy beard. The house smelled of something delicious. Taya was finishing cooking mushroom cabbage soup, with a fragrant brew bubbling on the stove.

Without any unnecessary words, she looked into his bottomless brown eyes and whispered:

«I agree, Misha, I will be with you in sorrow and in joy! Thank you! Just don’t leave me or betray me!»

Eighteen years flew by in a flash, and the gamekeeper Kashin’s family was enviable, with a loyal beautiful wife Taisiya and a son Yaroslav, a clever athletic young man as tall as a rake. Over the years, Taya only grew more beautiful, the love and care of her husband, and the fresh taiga air made her rosy, strong, and radiant with health. She never regretted staying in the Taiga with Misha, this silent giant with a fierce face, who dusted off every speck from her and they lived soul to soul. He adopted Yarik right away and raised him as his own, with strictness and fairness. The boy did very well in school, and it was decided to send him to the capital to enter university, as he had dreamed of becoming a doctor since childhood.

Taya resisted and wouldn’t let the boy go alone, lamenting:

«Don’t even try to persuade me, I will go to the city with Yarik! He has never seen anything beyond our district center, and I once lived in Moscow, I’ll help him settle in the dormitory, and then I’ll go home with a clear conscience!»

Misha frowned, he didn’t want to let his wife go to that damned capital, only misery came from it, and he had a bad premonition. But he couldn’t leave his job, so he grudgingly agreed!

Walking through the bustling, fussy, and crowded Moscow, Taya and Yarik were constantly turning their heads in astonishment! How everything had changed over the years! Luxurious new buildings, skyscrapers, and such interesting cars! Mother and son went to the subway. There, beggars and paupers swirled around. One nearly threw himself at their feet with an outstretched hand. Something eerily familiar seemed to her about this unkempt, foul-smelling, and shabbily dressed unpleasant man. She tossed some change into his grimy cap, and looked at him again, observing more closely.

Suddenly he cried out:

«Taya? Can it be? You’re alive? It’s me, Sergey! Remember me?»

The woman felt as if scalded by boiling water from a kettle, with forgotten horrors and the snarl of a ferocious wolf flashing before her eyes…

Meanwhile, the man intently looked at Yarik:

«Isn’t this my son, yes? He looks just like me in my youth, even the mole under the ear is exactly the same, no need for any tests!»

The boy looked puzzled at his mother:

«Mom, who is this? And what is he talking about? He’s just sick, right?»

Taya was in shock, at a loss for how to react or what to answer anyone.

Sergey, meanwhile, wasted no time, seizing the moment:

«I want to communicate with my son! I have every right to! See how life has broken me! My wife left me, my business failed, and everything went downhill from there! Now I stay in a shelter and beg for alms! But remember how we loved each other, Taya?» – the manipulative man pressed for pity.

Finally, Taya came to her senses, turned to her son, and looking straight into his eyes, declared:

«No, son, this man isn’t lying, he’s your biological father! Eighteen years ago, after finding out I was pregnant with you, he took me to the taiga and left me to die in the forest, and to make sure, he hit me with a log, tying me dead to a tree! Remember, son, you asked where I got the scar on the back of my head, now you know the truth…» — turning to the homeless man, Taisiya continued. «Probably from great love you treated me this way, right Sergey? The gamekeeper, Mikhail, saved me from death, sheltered me, and proposed marriage, and you, Yaroslav, he took in and raised as his own! And this scoundrel lived peacefully all these years, fully aware of what he did and thinking my bones had long disappeared in the forest! So decide, son, whether you want to communicate with such a daddy or not? You’re already an adult, think for yourself!»
She exhaled, turned away, and stepped aside, giving her son the right to decide what to do himself. It was unbearable for her to see this failure of a man; she felt nothing but hatred for him and did not pity him at all!

With disgust and almost hatred, the boy looked at Sergey:

«You are a monster! I regret ever meeting you here! Don’t dare come near me or my mother, or you will regret it, now there’s someone to protect her! You are nothing to me! A stranger. My father, Mikhail Kashin, is the best and most honorable man, and I need no other!» – and Yarik approached his mother. He tenderly embraced her shoulders:

«Let’s go, Mom, or we’ll be late for the interview! God be his judge!»

Sergey stood as if spat upon, angry at himself. For the first time in all these years, he realized what he had done eighteen years ago, how cruelly and vilely he had acted, nearly depriving a mother and her child of their lives. Fate had cruelly punished him for this, leaving him destitute in his old age. No family, no children, no roof over his head, no job. Just a dirty and unkempt bum, looked upon with disdain and disgust by everyone.

He watched for a long time as the woman who once loved him and his own son walked away forever, and through a veil of tears, he whispered:

«Forgive me, son, for everything…»

Yarik successfully enrolled in the university, settled all the housing matters, thankfully there were still places in the dormitory, and they returned home as there was still a whole month left until the academic year.

Misha nearly went mad waiting for Taya and Yarik, spinning all kinds of worries in his head. He feared that once she was in the capital after so many years, she might want to stay there? After all, what was here but the forest and wildlife… And she was such a beauty!

Finally, the right train appeared at the station, and out of the carriage stepped his beloved wife with their son. The wife threw herself into her husband’s neck, hugged him tightly, inhaled the familiar scent of tobacco and wormwood, and whispered:

«How much I love you, Mishenka! We are finally home! Even the air here is different, native somehow, unlike in that Moscow.»

Yarik extended his hand to the man, shook it firmly, and said:

«Hello, Dad, I’ve missed you! How about we go fishing tomorrow, I bought such great bait!» – and the young man winked at Mikhail.

The gamekeeper felt so warm and content inside, and for the thousandth time, he thanked heaven for that lucky find in the forest, eighteen years ago!

In the evening, everyone jovially drank fragrant tea with aromatic cranberry jam, cracked nuts, and cheerfully recounted their adventures in the capital. Neither mother nor son mentioned the encounter with Sergey, even without discussing it, both knew they had a happy, united family, so why bring up unnecessary worries?

Anya fundamentally could not understand why they needed this man in their house. She always wanted her mom to get married and be happy, but not with him. The girl sat on the sofa, pretending to read a book, while stealthily watching Arthur. He had just woken up and was now casually moving around the house, ignoring Anya and constantly talking on the phone. And as she understood, definitely not to a man. Apparently, he thought she was too young to care, as he spoke freely, «Mil, what are you saying? I have a wedding in two weeks, and you want to seduce a nearly married man?» He listened to the responses, laughed, and then talked again. Anya was disgustingly repulsed by hearing all this and by the fact that this man, whom her mom loved so much, was deceiving her.

Anya abruptly put down her book. Arthur turned, looked at her attentively, and went into the bedroom, firmly closing the door behind him. Anya decided to consult with her best friend. She slipped out onto the street and dashed down the road to the barracks not too far away, hidden from view by tall planted thuja trees, which seemed to separate the elite settlement from the ordinary city slums.

If Alla Olegovna knew her daughter went there, she probably would have had a heart attack. Anya checked her surroundings, nobody was nearby. She put two fingers in her mouth and whistled piercingly. Immediately, a shaggy head popped out of a barrack window:

«Anya, come in, the folks went to grandma’s.»

She jumped over the windowsill, who needs doors, and asked:

«Why didn’t you go?»

Petka, Anya’s friend, scratched the back of his head:

«I got a D in English, so I’m cramming, or else my dad promised to belt me.»

Anya smiled. Petka’s dad was big, bearded, and terribly kind. All the kids in the courtyard loved him, but he periodically threatened to belt Petka, though he had never yet followed through.

«Anya, what’s up? We only agreed to meet tomorrow evening.»

«Petka, I need your advice.»

Petka was a whole two years older than her. Anya had just turned twelve, while Petka was already fourteen, so he was a real authority for her. They had been friends for a long time, ever since Petka helped her get home when she fell off her bicycle at eight.

«Yeah?» Petka closed his textbook. He knew that changes were coming soon in Anya’s family, and he immediately understood that his friend came to him with this. Anya told him about Arthur’s behavior, saying that her mom noticed nothing at all. «Petka, I don’t understand, how do I tell her so she’ll believe me?»

«I don’t understand what you’re afraid of, you and your mom have a good relationship, just sit her down and tell her everything, she’ll definitely listen to you, or at least take heed.»

Anya pondered. That was true. They had always been close with her mom, though recently they weren’t as they used to be, no more watching movies or discussing things cuddled up. Now her mom cuddled and discussed everything with Arthur.

«Alright, I’ll do that. Thanks, Petka.»

The guy blushed:

«No, why? Thanks for what?»

«Well, for being there.»

In the evening, Arthur started getting ready to go out. Alla, who had just come from work, looked at him surprised.

«Where are you going?» He kissed her and replied.

«Oh, just going to sit at the bar with a friend, I’m about to be a married man, won’t have the chance later, and it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. Don’t worry, I won’t be long.»

Alla smiled:

«Go ahead, of course, I’m always at work with people, and you’re always home alone. And don’t hurry, relax, sit with your friend.»

«Thanks, darling, you’re the best.»

Only Arthur hesitated, and Alla slapped her forehead:

«Oh, I didn’t even think of it. Here, take this.» She quickly handed him some money. Arthur kissed her again and left.

Alla watched him go for a while, then turned to Anya as if remembering her existence:

«Well, shall we have a girls’ night out today?»

«Let’s, mom.» They cooked dinner together. Anya had already forgotten when they last did this. They dined, laughed, and after the dishes were done, Anya sat down in front of her mom:

«Mom, I want to talk to you.» Alla sighed:

«Anya, I know you don’t like Arthur. I know, rather, I remember he’s younger than me, but don’t you want your mom to be happy?»

«He can’t make you happy. While you’re at work, he talks to other women and now I’m sure he’s taken your money to the bar to meet someone else, not just his friend.»

Alla slammed her palm on the table: «Enough, that’s it. It hurts me to realize I’ve raised such a selfish girl. I don’t want to hear anything. And you’re too young to discuss such matters. Go to your room.»

Anya huffed offendedly and left immediately. Hopeless. Her mom just wasn’t listening to her. It seemed Anya would have to resign herself to the fact that Arthur was simply using her mom and her money. At night she woke up from loud voices, looked at the clock—it was half past three. Arthur had just returned, apparently not in very good condition. Her mom was scolding him, then he yelled: «Listen, Alla, why do you act like a grandma with her grandson? Stop nagging me.»

The bedroom door slammed. Then again, and Anya heard her mom’s apologetic voice. It was so disgusting that the girl pulled a pillow over her ear.

The next day, Anya and Petya sat on a wasteland:

«Yep, something needs to be done.»

Anya sighed:

«Petya, what can you do? You understand, mom only listens to him, she notices nothing.»

«When’s the wedding?»

«Petya, the tenth.»

Petya smiled:

«Listen, I have a plan. I don’t know if you’ll like it or not, but it seems there’s no other way for mom to hear you and understand something.»

Anya’s eyes lit up:

«Tell me, Petya!»

When Petya finished, Anya hesitantly shook her head:

«Petya, but how are we going to do it? You understand, we’re in school, and this needs…»

«Wait, I’ve figured it all out….»

The tenth was approaching. Arthur had even stopped arguing with mom. Yes, he was gone almost every evening, but Alla kept silent. Apparently, she remembered that scandal when Arthur compared her to a grandmother. Anya knew that Arthur was ten years younger than her mom. She didn’t see anything wrong with that if it weren’t for one «but.» She was sure. Arthur didn’t love her mom, and the recent investigations she and Petya conducted only confirmed it.

Anya was in her room when she overheard Arthur’s phone conversation:

«Mil, I’ve arranged with Kolya, come as his girlfriend. Don’t be scared, nobody knows you, of course. Just look at what awaits us now, what life. Come on, don’t grumble, I’ll only kiss her because I have to. And you, watch you don’t get drunk, I know you.»

Anya clenched her fists. «What a bastard, completely shameless.»

In the evening at the dinner table, Arthur casually said:

«Alla, I remembered about my friend, I’d like him and his girlfriend to be at the wedding, you’ll call the restaurant?»

«Of course, what friend?»

«You haven’t met him yet, Kolya, we were friends as kids, then he moved somewhere, but he just returned and called.»

«Well, that’s great, so many of your friends at the wedding, it’ll be fun.»

Anya stood up and silently left. She just couldn’t listen to all this, couldn’t watch how foolish her mom looked. Of course, she thought Arthur loved her, but Anya understood, he never loved her. And Arthur understood everything, and only mom remained completely clueless.

So much money was spent on the wedding that probably an ordinary person would have enough for a lifetime. But Alla spared nothing for her beloved. And she thought it was great, to organize such a celebration, when a real family forms, when there’s such love.

Only her daughter didn’t make her happy. Each time Alla promised herself that she would talk to Anyechka, that she would give her more attention, which Arthur had taken away, but a little later, after the wedding. Alla remembered their evenings together and thought that they definitely needed to return them. Just now they would watch some movie not just the two of them, but three.

The celebration took place in a lavish restaurant. Anya couldn’t concentrate on greeting everyone and responding to greetings. She hadn’t even noticed how beautiful the hall was. She was terribly nervous. She didn’t know what would happen after her congratulations. What if their plan didn’t work? What if mom got mad at her and that was it? Anya didn’t want any harm to come to her mom, but… The girl tried to talk to her again, but her mother abruptly dismissed her:

«Anya, stop, okay? You’re not a child to behave like this. After all, it’s low. Don’t spoil my mood before the most important day of my life.»

Anya stepped back. She couldn’t even say that before the most important day used to be her birthday.

«And now, congratulations from Anna, the bride’s daughter. Anyechka, please,» the host’s voice made her shudder.

In preparing the congratulations, all the boys from Petya’s courtyard took part. Anya straightened up and walked onto the stage:

«Mommy, before you see what I want to show you, I want you to know, I love you very much. And more than anything in the world, I want you to be happy.»

Then the host played a video recording that Anya had given him before the wedding. On the screen, Arthur passionately kissed a girl who was now sitting not far from him. Then Arthur in a bar and again with this lady, who was in her underwear. Now, nobody was looking at the screen, everyone was looking at the newlyweds. The lady immediately disappeared, and Arthur quietly slid under the table.

Anya saw her mom’s eyes.

«Mommy, forgive me, but you didn’t want to hear me, and he, he just doesn’t love you.»

Alla didn’t respond. Anya thought that at that moment her mom hated her. The girl threw the microphone into the host’s hands and ran out of the restaurant. Petya waited for her outside. Well, Anya didn’t answer, just ran past. Petya caught her near the river:

«Hey, stop, you crazy!»

Anya turned to him, buried her face in his chest, and cried:

«Petya, what have I done?»

«Nothing, everything’s right. Well, of course, it wasn’t very nice, but you were protecting your mom.»

They sat by the river and threw stones into the water. Both were silent. Finally, Petya asked:

«Are we going to sit here till morning?»

Anya shrugged:

«I don’t know. I don’t know what’s at home and how to go home.»

They were silent again. Petya said:

«Well, let’s go to my place. You know my mom, she’ll feed you, put you to bed.»

«I can’t. Mom will worry.» Anya’s words sounded unsure. «No, mom, of course, will worry, but probably not as much as before.»

«Anya!» The girl jumped. They and Petya stood up. Next to them stood Alla:

«Hello, Petya. Can I sit with you? I’m tired, I was looking for you.»

Petya grumbled:

«Of course. Here, sit on the jacket.» He spread his jacket, and Alla smiled:

«Thank you.» She sat down and carefully hugged Anya, «Forgive me, daughter!»

«No, mom, it’s you who should forgive me. It shouldn’t have been like this. I didn’t think that not only you but all the guests would see it.»

Alla smiled:

«Damn it. You know, Anyuta, it’s as if handcuffs were taken off me. I made up happiness for myself and ran around with it, like an idiot.»

«Mom, you’re not an idiot, you’re smart, beautiful, the best.»

Petya sat down next to them. Alla hugged him with the other arm:

«So, you’re the legendary Petya, whom I’ve heard so much about but never seen. Why have you never visited us?»

Petya chuckled sheepishly:

«Well, probably because I don’t live in your settlement.»

Alla looked at him concernedly:

«Where? Somewhere far?»

«No, not very, in the barracks. But don’t think, I don’t teach Anya anything bad.»

«And I don’t think so.»

«Wait, so you decided that I’m the kind who would look at you differently because you’re not…»

Petya nodded sheepishly.

«Wow. Anya, you know me, how could you think? You know what, let’s have a celebration tomorrow, invite Petya’s parents, your friends, I’ll invite someone from mine and let’s have a ‘party’ like you say.»

«We have a whole restaurant of food and a paid host.»

Anya laughed:

«Mom, what are we calling the celebration?»

Alla thought, then pulled out her phone:

«So, what do we have tomorrow? There, found it! Tomorrow is cat day. Anya, do you have anything against cats?»

Anya shook her head no and hugged her mom:

«I’m so glad you’re back. A good man, we’ll definitely meet him, you’ll see!»

Alla kissed her daughter on the top of her head:

«Alright, everyone home. Tomorrow I expect everyone at the celebration. Petya, be there with your parents!»

Nina flung open the school’s front door and entered the long corridor, where the light from daytime lamps created a sense of monotonous greyness. Early spring was outside, but the sunlight had not yet penetrated this academic sanctuary. For Nina, this school year, finishing the eleventh grade, was particularly tough. Her classmates excitedly discussed novels, future plans, and beautiful outfits for the graduation party. She, on the other hand, stood silently aside, feeling like an outcast.

Ever since first grade, Nina had been nicknamed «the pauper.» The boys constantly joked that she wore hand-me-downs and «fed on crumbs.» The girls, more sophisticated in their teasing, said Nina was «poor» and would surely be poor all her life. In the lower grades, she tried to fight back, to argue or fight, but it was all in vain: the parents of the other children were wealthy, buying their daughters fancy dresses, shoes, and gadgets. And Nina… she only had one skirt for special occasions and jeans from second-hand stores.

«Graduation is like a holiday for princesses,» the girls from her class would say from time to time. Listening to all these discussions about dresses worth tens of thousands of rubles, Nina felt pain. She imagined herself attending the graduation in old sneakers and a short dress, which everyone would laugh at. Just a week ago, a classmate, Masha, sneered in front of everyone: «So, Ninka, begging the headmistress for money for graduation again?» And the class burst into laughter. Nina then grabbed her textbook and ran out of the class to keep from crying.

This brought to mind a scene: in first grade, her parents bought her a beautiful pink dress with curls and bows, thinking their daughter would shine at the lineup — but just a day later, the boys spilled some paint on the hem, and the girls said, «That dress is cheap.» Her mother then said, «Honey, don’t cry, we’ll buy a new one,» — but it never happened: there wasn’t enough money, as her father had just started a new job, and her mother needed to pay off a loan…

Now, in the graduating class, the teasing and bullying not only continued but became harsher. The teachers tried to ignore the bullying: «The kids will sort it out themselves.» But this made Nina feel increasingly oppressed. On one such day, she couldn’t take the insulting words from several classmates and ran away in tears, missing half the lessons.

Returning home, she faced another nightmare: her father, who had recently lost his wife, had finally succumbed to alcohol. He sat, surrounded by empty bottles, muttering incoherently to himself. Seeing Nina, he just managed to say, «Why so early? Aren’t there lessons…» — and then he buried his face in the TV again. Nina sighed heavily: «Dad, we can’t keep going like this. Mom wouldn’t have wanted you to…»

But her father seemed to hear nothing, or perhaps he didn’t want to hear. Nina carefully gathered the bottles, took out the trash, aired the room to get rid of the stench, and sat down at the table, rubbing her eyes. «How could everything go so wrong?» she thought, recalling the past when her mom was alive and her father made plans. But an unexpected illness took her mother away, leaving the daughter and father alone with poverty and grief. Later, when her father sobered up, Nina tried to tell him about her problems: about the graduation, the taunts from classmates, the desire to look decent at least. But he just sighed, pressing his temples: «Nin, sorry, I have nothing… and who are you trying to prove anything to?» Saying this, he seemed to shut the door — he wasn’t planning to help. Nina felt bitter: «Dad, I’m not asking for much, just some moral support, maybe?» But he couldn’t give her anything — just said «Everything will be okay» and went to sleep.

‘

At that moment, Nina put on her jacket, went outside intending to take a walk so as not to cry in front of her father. Near the entrance, she bumped into a neighbor, Inna Romanovna, who knew their family and sympathized. Seeing Nina’s tear-filled eyes, she asked, «Having a tough time again, huh? How can I help?» But Nina just shook her head: «Thanks, I’ll figure it out.» Then the neighbor suggested, «If you want to earn a bit, there’s a hospital looking for janitors…»

Nina decided to work as a janitor at the local district hospital in the evenings. The money was small, but it was better than nothing. In the mornings, she went to school, endured the taunts, and then, closer to evening, put on her work uniform and cleaned corridors, wards, washed floors, and took out the trash — all secretly from her classmates. «I’ll surprise them,» Nina told herself, rubbing her bloodied palms. Her body ached from fatigue, but she imagined buying a nice dress, beautiful shoes, doing her hair, and showing up at graduation, making all her tormentors burst with envy!

At school, of course, rumors spread: someone noticed Nina heading to the hospital in the evenings. A few times, they yelled after her: «Hey, Ninka, what, the pauper went to mop floors, huh?!» But Nina just clenched her teeth harder. She wanted to prove that she wouldn’t give up.

Once during a break, Svetlova — a beautiful and very wealthy classmate, one of the main «queens of the class» — approached Nina. Svetlova snorted: «Listen, pauper, planning to show up at graduation in a janitor’s robe?» And she shoved her shoulder. Nina flared up: «I don’t care what you think. I’ll be at the graduation, too. Maybe I’ll even get the prom queen crown!» Svetlova gasped, then burst into laughter: «You? Queen of the prom?! I’ll crush you like a bug!» But Nina crossed her arms over her chest: «We’ll see.» And walked away.

In the following days at the hospital, an interesting incident occurred: Nina, sweeping the corridor, saw a little boy who had fallen off his scooter at the entrance, crying. A nanny was with him. Nina helped her calm the child, treat his abrasions. The tired woman inadvertently blurted out: «The boy’s mother is always busy, the father too, I’m alone here… What luck that you helped.» Nina shrugged: «It’s nothing. I hope the boy heals quickly.» — «Of course,» replied the nanny. «If only he had such a kind sister like you…»

Nina, putting away the mop, thought: «I’m just a janitor, but apparently, I can still do something good.» Subsequent events showed that her help was not in vain — her kind actions would echo back.

One evening, returning from the hospital almost at midnight, Nina was surprised to find no stench of alcohol in the apartment, her father sitting clean-shaven, flipping through newspapers. «Nin, I want to apologize,» he said, looking up. «I understand, I fell into an alcohol pit after Mom’s death, but… I see how you’re fighting for graduation, trying to prove something. Sorry for not helping. I want to make amends.» Nina felt warmth in her chest: «Thanks, Dad. I hope everything will work out.» He smiled sadly: «Let’s think together about how to buy you a dress? I’ll come up with something.»

It was incredible: the father, who had been lost in drunken days for months, suddenly decided to help his daughter. Nina was moved, but afraid to believe that it was for the long term. Nevertheless, he managed to get a seasonal job repairing entrances, and he brought home the first earned money. «Here, take it for the dress,» he said, handing over a modest stack of bills. Nina almost cried, but nodded.

Days flew by quickly: exams, school hassles… Graduation was relentlessly approaching. Nina had already saved enough money for the dress, part of which was given by the mother of the boy she once saved (it turned out, his mother learned about her help and passed an envelope through the nanny «for a good deed»). Nina hesitated, but eventually accepted, seeing it as an opportunity to fulfill a dream.

And suddenly, the father remembered that he spent his youth dancing in an ensemble and offered Nina to practice waltzing for the graduation. In the evenings, they turned on soft music, the father smiled, holding her hand: «I would have done this earlier, daughter, but sorry that it’s only now.» Nina stepped awkwardly at first, but gradually learned to hold herself gracefully. She felt joy at her back: although late, her father was returning to life.

Graduation night arrived. The school shone: balloons, flowers, crowds of dressed-up kids. Nina stood at the doors of the festively decorated hall, feeling a tremor in her chest: she was in a beautiful dress, light blue, with a small tulle overlay. The heels weren’t too high, but elegant. Her father appeared next to her, in a suit ironed as much as his modest budget allowed. «Here we are, daughter,» he said.

They took a step, and a whisper swept through the hall. Everyone who had previously teased Nina as «the pauper» literally froze, recognizing in her a magnificent young woman: neat hairstyle, posture. «Is that… Nina?» the girls whispered. And a classmate, standing next to Svetlova, murmured: «Wow…»

Svetlova grimaced as if someone had taken away her puppy: she had expected to be the main star, but now the attention was captivated by Nina. The planned vote for «Prom Queen» suddenly turned into a question: «Who’s against Nina?» For she shone, despite all previous taunts.

Just an hour later, after the ceremonial speeches, the voting results for «Queen» were announced: the host took the microphone and said, «By almost unanimous decision, the crown of prom queen is awarded to… Nina!» The hall applauded, including the teachers who secretly admired this girl’s resilience. And Svetlova, unable to contain herself, threw a malicious glance and stormed out, not accepting defeat.

Nina danced the waltz with her father and almost cried from happiness. «It’s a pity Mom can’t see this,» she thought, but felt that perhaps her mother saw everything from somewhere above. Classmates, forgetting all their malice, came with congratulations: «Congratulations… You’ve changed wonderfully,» «Sorry if we ever hurt you.» Some girls tried to justify themselves, but Nina just nodded amiably, not wanting to rekindle past grievances.

Soon Igor, the father of the boy she once helped in the hospital, approached her. He was on good terms with Nina’s father, it turned out. Igor also decided to support Nina, giving her a beautiful bouquet of roses. Nina was embarrassed: «Why so much?» And he: «Just wanted to say thank you for your kind deed.»

The fairy-tale night flew by. Nina realized that everything was changing: ahead were college, new opportunities, and most importantly — she had managed to stand firm in this school, without degrading herself or backing down.

Three years after graduation, Nina was studying at college, planning to become a nurse or social worker — since she liked working in the hospital. She continued to communicate with her father, who had quit drinking and was setting up life. At some point, a warm friendship developed between Igor and Nina, turning into something more. Just like that, fate gifted her with love she had never dreamed of.

Finally, in college, she finished her third year, and Igor, a bit older, with an established career, proposed. «Let’s get married after your graduation from university,» he suggested. Although the wedding was still in the plans, Nina squinted from happiness: «Here it is, the return of the fairy tale.»

One day, Nina, taking her father, younger brother (by her father?), and Igor, came to a bridal salon to choose a dress. The consultant smiled and asked, «What style do you like?» Nina, recalling how her classmates once called her «the pauper,» jokingly smirked: «Oh, maybe you have something left from the trash?» The consultant blinked in surprise, but seeing Nina laughing, she smiled too.

Nina mentally thanked herself for her courage in school, thanked her father for his repentance and support, and most importantly, understood that sometimes it’s worth fighting against taunts, even if everyone considers you «nobody.» Because at the end of the journey, a wonderful reward might await — a loving family, happiness, and respect from those who once did not believe in you.

«Mom, you’re just a pauper!» Pasha shouted, slamming the door of his room.

Larisa froze in the hallway, clutching her son’s unironed T-shirt to her chest. His words hit harder than a slap. She leaned against the wall, feeling her knees tremble traitorously. Such scenes had become more frequent lately.

«Pash,» she called softly, «let’s talk…»

«There’s nothing to talk about!» came from behind the door. «Everyone has normal parents, only I suffer with you. Look, Dimka’s parents bought him a new iPhone, and you? ‘Let’s wait until the next paycheck’… You never have money!»

Larisa closed her eyes. Sleepless nights over side jobs, the old car she sold to pay for Pasha’s English lessons, sandwiches instead of lunch… All for him. And now he was hurling such words.

«Son,» she tried to speak calmly, though her voice trembled traitorously, «you know I do everything I can…»

«Exactly!» The door flung open so abruptly that Larisa flinched. «All you can is NOTHING! And dad… dad understands what I need. He doesn’t skimp like you!»

Matvey. Her ex-husband, who left eleven years ago, abandoning her with a four-year-old child. Now he suddenly reappeared—a successful businessman, a loving father. Buying his son expensive gifts, taking him to restaurants, inviting him for weekends at his country house. Easy to be the good uncle, showing up once a week with presents. But who was up at night with a sick baby? Who patched torn jeans? Who made soups and checked homework?

«You know what, mom?» Pasha looked at her with some unfamiliar, prickly contempt. «I want to live with dad. He has a normal house, not this dump. And a cool car, not your bus. And at least… he’s achieved something in life!»

Each word struck hard. A hot tear rolled down Larisa’s cheek. She hastily wiped it away with her hand.

«So, that’s how it is,» she said unexpectedly firmly. «Want to go to your father—please. But don’t come running back to me with grievances.»

«And I’m not going to!» Pasha snorted. «Finally, I’ll live like a human.»

He demonstratively pulled out his phone—a gift from his father—and started typing something. Probably a message to Matvey. Larisa silently turned around and went to the kitchen. Her hands moved automatically: turn on the kettle, take out a cup, drop in a tea bag… She tried not to think about what had just happened. Not to think about how her only son, for whom she had lived all these years, had just trampled her heart.

Matvey called in the evening.

«Laris, Pasha said he wants to stay with me,» his voice carried poorly concealed pride. «You don’t mind?»

«I don’t mind,» she replied tiredly. «Take him. Maybe he’ll learn to appreciate you.»

«Come on,» Matvey laughed. «The boy just wants to live in normal conditions. What can you give him on your salary?»

Larisa silently hung up. She sat in the kitchen, looking into the darkening window. Behind the wall, some fuss—Pasha was packing his things. Hurrying. Can’t wait to escape from a ‘pauper’ mother…

«Lord,» she thought, «why? I did everything for him… My whole life—for him…»

In the morning, Pasha left. He packed two huge bags with things, grunted «bye» and slammed the door. Larisa was left alone in the empty apartment. She slowly walked through the rooms, pausing her gaze on the little things that reminded her of her son: socks scattered under the bed, an unfinished cup of cocoa on the table, a poster of a rock band on the wall… She entered his room, sat on the bed. It smelled of his favorite deodorant.

In the corner lay an old plush dog—his favorite toy in childhood. How many times she had patched that dog, sewn on torn ears, washed it… And now it was abandoned. Like her.

Suddenly, Larisa felt a strange relief. No more need to make breakfast he never eats. No need to wash a mountain of dirty socks and T-shirts. No need to endure reproaches and comparisons with «normal» parents…

She stood up, resolutely opened the closet, and took out a beautiful dress she had not worn in a long time—there was nowhere to wear it. Well, now she had time for herself. Maybe go to the cinema? Or to that cozy restaurant she had passed by so many times? Or…

The phone buzzed with a message. From Pasha: «Forgot my tablet charger. Bring it.»

Even no «please.»

«Sorry, son,» she typed in response, «I’m busy today. Ask dad to buy a new one. He can afford it.»

And for the first time in a long time, she smiled.

The first days at his father’s house seemed like a fairy tale to Pasha. A spacious three-story cottage, a huge room with a private bathroom, a brand-new computer… Beautiful furniture, expensive paintings on the walls—everything screamed wealth and success. How different it was from their old apartment with his mom in a panel building!

«Well, how do you like it?» Matvey waved his hand around the living room with pride. «Not like your mom’s dump, right?»

Pasha nodded in agreement, although something scratched at his chest at those words. Maybe a memory of how his mom sewed toys at night to save up for his new bike? But he dismissed these thoughts.

His father’s new wife, Marina, met her stepson coolly. A tall, well-groomed woman with perfect manicure, she seemed to radiate cold.

«Just don’t make a mess in your room,» she threw out instead of a greeting. «We’re not a hostel here.»

Her children—ten-year-old twins Kirill and Karina—looked at Pasha as if he was a curious insect.

«Is it true that you lived in a Khrushchyovka?» Karina asked at dinner. «And you didn’t even have your own bathroom?»

«I had one,» Pasha grumbled. «Not anymore.»

«Poor thing,» the girl stretched with poorly hidden mockery. «How did you live there?»

«I lived fine,» he snapped back.

«Kids, don’t fight,» Marina drawled lazily. «Pavel, don’t be rude to your sister.»

«What sister is she to me?» Pasha wanted to snap back, but he kept silent. His father was engrossed in his phone, paying no attention to the squabble.

Days dragged on slowly. His father was constantly missing for work, and when he was home, he was busy with the twins or talking to Marina. Pasha wandered through the huge house, feeling out of place. The brand-new computer no longer brought joy. At school, things were getting worse—no one checked his homework, no one made him sit down to study.

«Dad, maybe we could go for a walk?» he asked once.

«Sorry, son, busy,» Matvey brushed him off. «Here, take some pocket money.»

Money. Always just money. Did his father remember what his favorite music was? Did he know that he hated oatmeal? Did he suspect that he had nightmares during storms?

Mom knew. Always knew.

One evening, Pasha accidentally overheard his father’s conversation with Marina.

«How long is he going to stick around here?» his stepmother hissed. «He’s ruining the twins’ mood! And besides… I didn’t sign up to raise someone else’s kid.»

«Sweetheart, he’s my son,» his father hesitated.

«Exactly—YOUR son! You entertain him. He just sits around all day, muttering something under his breath… Maybe we should send him to a boarding school? There are excellent schools in Europe…»

Pasha quietly closed the door and went upstairs. His chest felt empty and cold. He took out his phone, opened the dialogue with his mom. The last message—two weeks ago, about the charger. Mom didn’t bring it. And he didn’t even apologize for being rude…

His finger hovered over the keyboard. What to write? «Sorry»? «I miss you»? «Can I come back»?

Pride wouldn’t allow it. He threw the phone on the bed and buried his face in the pillow. Tears treacherously flowed from his eyes.

A week later, Aunt Svetlana, Mom’s friend, called.

«Pasha… your mom’s in the hospital. Pneumonia. She didn’t want to call, but I think you should know.»

He rushed to the hospital, not even informing his father. Mom lay pale, emaciated, but smiled at her son with that familiar, dear smile.

«Pashenka…» she whispered.

And he couldn’t hold back. He fell to his knees by the bed, burying his face in the blanket: «Forgive me, mom… Forgive me, do you hear? I’m such a fool…»

«There, there, my little one,» her hand rested on his head, as in childhood. «It’s alright.»

«It’s not alright!» he raised his tear-stained face. «I said such things… And you still love me?»

«Silly boy,» she pulled him to her. «I’m your mom. I will always love you.»

After that, Pasha visited the hospital every day. Brought fruits, books, sat beside her, talked about his life—now honestly, without pretense.

«… and those twins, Mom, they’re just unbearable! Always teasing, acting up… And Marina! You know what she said yesterday? ‘Move your sneakers from the hallway, we’re not a dorm here!’»

Mom listened, sometimes smiling, but often frowning. One day she couldn’t hold back: «Pash, are you… are you happy there?»

He paused mid-sentence. Happy? A luxurious home, expensive clothes, the latest iPhone in his pocket… But why then did he feel so melancholy in the evenings? Why did he want to curl up in a corner and howl from loneliness?

«I don’t know, Mom,» he honestly replied. «Everything’s so… not mine. You know, like I’m a guest. A long-term guest.»

«I understand,» she stroked his hand. «You know, when you left… I didn’t know what to do either. At first, I was even relieved—peace, quiet. I started going to the theater, to exhibitions…»

«Really?» he raised his eyebrows in surprise. «I didn’t know you liked that.»

«Imagine, I didn’t know either,» she laughed. «So many years I lived only for the house, work, you… And then I realized: it can’t be like this. A person needs to develop, grow. Otherwise, what will they pass on to their children?»

Pasha was silent, digesting what he had heard. He had never thought of his mom as a… person. With her own dreams, interests, desires. She had always just been Mom—the one who cooks, washes, checks homework. And she, it turns out…

«Mom, let’s go together? Well, to the theater there, or wherever you want? When you get better.»

Her eyes lit up: «Really? You’d go with me?»

«Yeah,» he shrugged. «What’s the big deal?»

In the evening, returning to his father’s house, Pasha sat for a long time in his room. Downstairs, the twins were noisy, dishes clinked—the family was having dinner. They didn’t call him. He was used to it.

There was a knock at the door. His father.

«Pash, where have you been disappearing all day? Marina says you even skip dinner.»

«I was at Mom’s,» Pasha grumbled. «She’s in the hospital.»

«Oh,» his father hesitated in the doorway. «And how is she?»

«What does it matter to you?» Pasha blurted out. «You haven’t cared for eleven years!»

Matvey frowned: «Listen, son, don’t be rude. I, by the way, provide you a decent life. Not like…»

«What ‘not like’?» Pasha jumped up. «Finish it! Not like Mom, right? Who worked three jobs so I could go to a decent school? Who stayed up nights when I was sick? Who… who was JUST THERE?!»

«What do you understand!» his father raised his voice. «You think it was easy to drop everything and start from scratch? I had to realize myself, become successful…»

«For whom?» Pasha quietly asked. «For your new family? For these twins? And me, just an add-on? ‘Here’s some pocket money’—and leave me alone?»

Matvey turned red: «You know what… if you don’t like it here—there’s the door!»

«Then I’ll leave!»

«Go back to your pauper!»

Dead silence hung in the air. Pasha slowly raised his eyes to his father: «What did you say?»

«I…» Matvey faltered, but it was too late.

«So, that’s how it is,» Pasha said very calmly. «I understand everything. Thanks, Dad. Thanks for the lesson.»

He began packing his things. His hands trembled, but his movements were clear, decisive. He threw the essentials into a bag, the rest—forget it. Computer? Don’t need it. iPhone? Let him choke on it.

«Pash, what are you doing…» his father paced nearby. «We got heated, it happens to everyone…»

«It happens, Dad. Everything happens. Only you know… Mom would never call you a pauper. Because she’s a person. And you… you’re just a wallet on legs.»

He slung the bag over his shoulder and walked out, carefully closing the door behind him. In the hallway, he bumped into Marina.

«Where are you going?» she squinted at him.

«Home,» he replied. «To Mom.»

And for the first time in a long time, he felt… right. As if a huge stone had fallen from his soul.

Pasha reached home after dark. He opened the door with his old, worn key, which he had carried in his pocket all these months. He stood in the dark hallway, inhaling the familiar smell: Mom’s perfume, cinnamon (she always loved to bake cinnamon rolls), some flowers on the windowsill…

He turned on the light, looked around. The apartment was unusually clean and… cozy? He hadn’t noticed it before. New paintings hung on the walls—small, but nice landscapes. On the coffee table—a stack of psychology books. Mom hadn’t wasted her time.

His room was untouched. Only neatly tidied and aired—Mom had checked in, making sure no dust had settled. On the desk—a photo in a frame: him as a little boy, laughing, sitting on Mom’s shoulders. Both so happy…

Pasha took out his phone, called Aunt Svetlana: «And Mom… when will they discharge her?»

«In a couple of days,» she replied. «You came back?»

«Yes. For good.»

They were silent on the phone, then Aunt Svetlana softly said: «Well done, Pasha. You did the right thing.»

The next few days he spent bustling around. Cleaned the apartment, laundered the curtains, fixed the kitchen faucet (he had been meaning to, but never got around to it). Went to the store, stocked up on groceries—Mom loves homemade food, no semi-finished products. Even started cooking, remembering Mom’s lessons.

When she returned from the hospital—thinner, but already stronger—he greeted her with a laid table and a pie. True, slightly burnt, but that’s details.

«Pash,» was all she said, looking around the apartment. «You…»

«Mom,» he interrupted. «Let’s agree: I’ll never leave again, and you’ll never cry again. Deal?»

She nodded, blinking rapidly.

Life began to improve. Pasha tackled his studies—turned out, he had fallen far behind while living with his father. But no matter, he’d catch up. Mom helped, explained the unclear. And on weekends, they now often went out together: to the theater, to the park, just walking around the city. Talked about everything under the sun.

«You know, Mom,» he said once, «I just realized: you always tried to make me better. And Dad… he just bought his way out.»

Mom stroked his hand: «Don’t judge him harshly. He just… doesn’t know any other way.»

Dad tried calling, invited him back. Promised a new computer, a trip abroad… Pasha politely declined. Returned the pocket money by transfer—didn’t need it.

A year later, a miracle happened: Mom was promoted at work. Now she became the head of the department, the salary increased. They even managed to renovate the apartment—small, but tasteful. Pasha himself chose the wallpaper for his room.

Five years passed. Pasha graduated from high school, enrolled in university. Met Alyonka—a funny redhead girl with freckles. Fell in love so hard his head spun. Introduced her to Mom first thing.

«Just look at them,» Alyonka whispered once, watching Pasha and his mom cook dinner together. «They’re so… family.»

And at the wedding—small, but very warm—Mom danced and laughed like a girl. She had blossomed over the years, bloomed. Even got remarried—to a good man, Pasha’s university teacher.

Dad came to the wedding with his latest wife (he and Marina had divorced) and lingered at the entrance, unsure how to act. Eventually, he approached his ex: «Laris… you… well done. Raised the boy.»

«We raised him,» she corrected softly. «Together. Just each in our own way.»

… A year later, Pasha’s daughter was born. When he first held her, so tiny, defenseless, he suddenly understood: this is what matters. Not money, not status, not expensive toys. But love. Simple, pure, selfless. Just like Mom’s.

«Mom,» he said when they brought the baby home, «thank you. For everything.»

«For what, son?»

«For teaching me the most important thing,» he hugged his daughter close. «To love.»

Mom smiled and stroked his cheek—just like in childhood: «I’m just your mom. And I’ll always be there.»

In the butcher shop, a pleasant aroma of spices and fresh meat filled the air, which Natalya was most proud of. She always chose the best so that customers would return. It was a busy December day, and people bustled about—some buying meat for dinner, others arguing about prices.

As Natalya arranged fresh cuts on display, she noticed a little girl standing at the door, looking inside with a lost expression. The girl appeared modest: her scarf was twisted several times, and her old jacket seemed too thin for such a winter. She clutched a small bag tightly in her hands.

Natalya paused for a second, then smiled:

«Girl, come in! Why are you standing at the door? It’s cold.»

The girl hesitantly crossed the threshold. The queue in the shop stirred impatiently, someone grunted:

«Letting children in, too. She’ll be in the way.»

Natalya glanced at the grumbling man:

«It’s okay, you can wait a bit.»

The girl approached closer and, shyly, reached towards the counter.

«Auntie, may I ask you something?» she whispered barely audibly.

Natalya crouched down to be on her level:

«Of course, dear. What happened?»

The girl lowered her head slightly, but then gathered her courage and spoke:

«I have a neighbor. An old grandma. She feeds her cats, but she hardly eats herself. Maybe you have something for the cats? So she can buy herself some food.»

The shop fell silent. People stopped sifting through goods and looking at prices, just listening. Some shook their heads, others sighed sympathetically.

«How does she not eat?» Natalya frowned.

«I’ve seen it. She has kefir and a piece of bread in her fridge. But she feeds the cats every day,» the girl fidgeted with the edge of her jacket. «They’re like family to her.»

Natalya bit her lip. It sounded both strange and painful.

«Okay,» she softly replied. «Wait a minute.»

The girl nodded and stepped aside. Natalya took a bag and quickly started packing trimmings and bones into it. Then she took out a piece of good beef and added it on top.

«Here, this is for the cats,» she handed the bag to the girl.

The girl froze, looking at the bag:

«Really? Thank you, auntie!»

«And tomorrow I’ll visit your grandma myself. I want to talk to her,» added Natalya.

The girl smiled broadly, then quietly said:

«She will be glad. Thank you.»

As the girl left, the shop buzzed again. One of the regular customers, an elderly man, shook his head:

«Children’s souls… How does she even care about that neighbor?»

As Natalya cleared the remaining goods, she thought:

«Not all adults would do what this little girl did. Need to help.»

The next morning, without delaying, Natalya went to the address the girl had given her. A small house stood slightly apart from the others, with a crooked fence and peeling paint on the windows. A ginger cat greeted her at the gate—apparently the local boss. He lazily lifted his head, assessed Natalya, decided she was no threat, and curled back up on the porch step.

Natalya knocked on the door.

«Who’s there?» a weak voice came from inside.

«It’s me, Natalya. From the butcher shop,» she called loudly, feeling a strange mix of sadness and warmth as the hoarse voice inside awakened.

The door creaked quietly, and a thin elderly woman in an old woolen shawl appeared on the threshold. Her face was worn but friendly.

«Oh, hello,» she said, slightly flustered, adjusting her shawl.

«Sorry, I didn’t order anything.»

«I’m not here for an order. I came to see you. May I come in?» Natalya smiled, trying not to embarrass the hostess.

The old lady hesitated, then stepped aside. Natalya entered the home. It was clean but modest. Simple furniture, a slightly sagged sofa, a table with a worn tablecloth. On the window sill, a cup with tea leaves and an open book. On the floor, as if on command, the cats gathered: the ginger from the porch, a gray one, and a tiny striped kitten.

«Here are my little tails,» the old lady said, looking at the cats with a gentle smile. «But why did you come?»

Natalya sat down on a chair, looking around the room.

«The girl next door told me how you feed your furry friends but barely drink tea yourself,» she said directly. «Is that true?»

The old lady blushed, clutching the corner of her shawl.

«Well… I don’t need much. But they… they need someone, and that’s me,» she murmured, looking down.

«But you need someone, too,» Natalya said quietly but firmly. «You also need to eat properly. You can’t live on cats alone.»

The old lady shrugged.

«What can I do… My pension is small. And I feel sorry for the cats. They’re all from the yard, all hungry. How can I abandon them?»

Natalya nodded, her heart aching from such simple, touching devotion.

«Let’s do this. I’ll leave you meat trimmings. For free. For the cats. And you spend your pension on yourself. At least a little. Agreed?» she proposed, looking straight into the hostess’s eyes.

The old lady was silent for a long time, then quietly replied:

«I don’t even know what to say…»

«Say ‘agreed,’» Natalya smiled, winking. «And that’s that.»

«Agreed,» the grandmother murmured, hiding her eyes, which glistened with tears.

«There we go,» Natalya stood up. «I’ll bring you the first package tomorrow. And no arguing,» she warned, seeing the old lady about to object.

At the threshold, the grandmother suddenly paused.

«Natalya, why are you doing this? After all… I’m nobody to you,» she asked, nervously fidgeting with the corner of her shawl.

«I just can. And, you know, you’re not exactly nobody to me now,» Natalya smiled, waved her hand, and left, feeling a strange but pleasant warmth spreading inside her.

Since they agreed, the grandmother’s life began to change. Natalya left her a small package of trimmings every week. It wasn’t a lot of money, but knowing she was helping warmed her soul. The grandmother always came for her «gift» on time—on the exact day, like clockwork. She always brought gratitude, and sometimes something of her own: a jar of jam, fresh eggs, or just a sincere smile.

«Here, Natalya, homemade raspberry jam. I made it myself, my grandchildren helped pick the berries last year,» she said once, handing over a jar.

«Oh, grandma, why? I have everything!» Natalya smiled but still took the treat.

«It’s not in return, Natasha. It’s from the heart,» the old lady replied, adjusting her shawl.

The cats also noticeably perked up. The ginger cat, who used to lazily doze on the porch, now, satiated and content, loudly purred when the grandmother set down a bowl of food. Their fur shone, and they no longer looked thin.

«Look at this handsome fellow!» Natalya, dropping by the grandmother’s, winked toward the cat. «I see you feed him well.»

«It’s you who feed him,» the grandmother laughed. «I just serve it.»

Natalya noticed how the grandmother’s face looked better. The wrinkles remained, but a blush appeared. The old lady no longer seemed so tired and sad as the first time.

«I made a meat soup,» the grandmother once boasted, looking into the shop.

«That’s wonderful,» Natalya approved. «Always do that now.»

Gradually, the grandmother began to visit not just for trimmings. She stayed to chat. Natalya caught herself thinking that she enjoyed these conversations herself.

«Do you have children?» the grandmother asked once.

«No, grandma, it didn’t work out,» Natalya replied, pondering whether to continue. «But, you know, I always dreamed of a big family. Maybe it will still happen.»

The grandmother smiled, stroking her woolen shawl.

«Everything will be alright for you, Natasha. You’re a kind person. It will all come back to you.»

By New Year’s, Natalya decided to make the grandmother a small gift. Instead of the usual trimmings, she brought her a whole piece of good meat.

«This is for you. For the festive table,» she said, handing over the package.

«Natasha, what are you doing! I can’t take this,» the grandmother protested, shaking her head.

«Grandma, don’t upset me. It’s a gift, understand?»

The grandmother hesitated for a long time, but seeing Natalya’s determination, she took the package.

«What a kind person you are,» she said quietly, wiping her eyes with the corner of her shawl.

These little things made both of them happier. Natalya was pleased to see the grandmother more cheerful. And the grandmother… the grandmother felt again that someone cared about her.

Sometimes small changes in someone’s life can create a big boomerang effect of goodness, returning with warm words and joy that fills the heart.

It was early morning when the grandmother, in her usual woolen shawl, entered the butcher shop. She had a bundle wrapped in clean white fabric in her hands. Natalya was behind the counter, arranging fresh cuts of meat, and immediately noticed her.

«Grandma Valya, why are you so early?» Natalya looked at her in surprise.

«I brought you something. I want to say thank you,» she replied, placing the bundle on the counter. It smelled of fresh baking.

«Oh, grandma, you shouldn’t have!» Natalya waved her hands, but the old lady smiled and nodded, as if unwilling to hear objections.

«It’s from the heart. The pie is still warm, try it. And here’s jam, raspberry. Maybe your children will be delighted.»

Natalya smiled, looking at the grandmother. She always marveled at how much warmth could exist in such a fragile person. Accepting the treat, she placed it on the table next to her.

«Thank you, grandma. But, you know, you’ve already repaid me. With your smiles and by taking care of yourself.»

Grandma Valya was embarrassed, adjusting the corner of her shawl.

«You’ve done so much good for me, I can’t not thank you.»

«Well, then we agree. The pie is for your care of yourself. Deal?» Natalya squinted mischievously.

«Deal,» the grandmother nodded, laughing. Her laughter was quiet, but so genuine that Natalya involuntarily smiled in response.

From that moment, their meetings became regular. Grandma Valya increasingly visited not just for meat, but simply to talk. Natalya, noticing that the old lady looked refreshed, realized that their interaction was beneficial not only to herself but also to the grandmother.

«Natasha, imagine, I made borscht the other day, so tasty! The cats almost knocked over the pot, thinking it was for them,» the grandmother laughed, telling her story.

«What do you expect, grandma? You got them hooked on meat! Now they’re after the soup,» joked Natalya.

Their conversations filled her day with warmth. And it seemed that even other customers, standing in line, began to smile, listening to them.

In late December, Natalya decided to prepare a surprise. She not only prepared the usual package of trimmings for the grandmother but also added a piece of pork, a couple of chicken drumsticks, and a packet of flour.

When the grandmother saw this, she was flustered.

«Natasha, what are you doing? There’s so much here… Why?»

«It’s almost New Year, grandma. You have to meet it with treats,» Natalya replied, handing over the package.

«You… I…,» the grandmother even teared up. «Now it’s not just New Year for me, it’s a whole feast. Thank you, dear.»

As the grandmother left, Natalya watched her for a long time, feeling her heart filled with warmth. She remembered how it all started with one little girl asking for food for cats. And now, this help had turned into friendship.

One day, Natalya brought the grandmother a new surprise: a photo album and a pack of colored paper.

«What’s this?» the grandmother was surprised.

«I wanted to suggest you try crafts. I saw how it engages children in kindergarten. And I think you can do it just as well,» said Natalya.

«Why?» the old lady wondered, holding the album close to her chest.

«For joy. For yourself, and to show the neighbors that a person lives not by soup alone,» Natalya winked.

Grandma Valya agreed with a smile. A week later, she brought her first crafts to the shop: bright cards decorated with paper flowers. Natalya admired them with amazement.

«Grandma, you’re a master!» she exclaimed. «Maybe you should start a club?»

«Oh, stop it,» the grandmother shyly waved her hand. «I just wanted to thank you for everything.»

Natalya, looking at the grandmother, felt that even such small things could change lives. And perhaps, not just one.

Kirill sat in his office, surrounded by various awards and certificates from the city and region, symbolizing his success and always reminding him of his achievements. Outside, it was getting dark, and the light from car headlights reflected off the glass showcases of the stores he owned. At his age, many are still searching for themselves, but Kirill, at 30, was already a successful businessman.

Besides the stores, the man owned a charitable foundation that helped children. His favorite work brought him pleasure. Although Kirill had no family, he did not feel lonely.

In the orphanage, they nicknamed him «the kind one.» Kirill himself was a graduate of this orphanage. As a child, he ended up in the orphanage where they didn’t always have nice gifts or sweets for holidays. This required investors, but it wasn’t always possible to find them. And so, after graduating from the orphanage and getting on his feet, he began to help children who ended up there through no fault of their own.

One day, when Kirill visited the orphanage again, the educators greeted the man with joy, but the atmosphere was oddly quiet, unlike usual. His attention was drawn to a girl he had not seen before, quietly playing at a table while the other children seemed to avoid her.

«Daddy, daddy, you’ve returned!» the girl shouted, seeing Kirill.

The man froze in surprise. The children had never called him that before. The educators were also confused. However, the girl knew Kirill’s name. Every child in the orphanage knew of the man, but she was new, and this was their first meeting.

«Sorry, she’s new and hasn’t settled in yet,» said one of the educators. But Kirill wasn’t listening to her; his mind was blank.

The girl paid no attention to the adults’ confusion. She continued to reach for Kirill, adding, «Mom told me you would come back. When are we going to see Mom?»

Kirill had not felt such a mix of concern and anxiety for a long time. He was curious why this girl specifically had thrown herself at him while the other children showed no such interest. Normally, all the children would run to him as soon as they saw him at the door.

«Are you sure you’re not confusing me with someone else?» asked Kirill, trying to hide his agitation.

The girl just shrugged, unsure how to explain the situation: «Yes, of course, Mom always told me about you, that you’re a good person and you’d come back for me.»

He couldn’t just leave. Kirill was curious about who this girl was and how she ended up in the orphanage. This was a first for him.

A few days later, when his emotions had calmed down, the man decided to visit the orphanage again. He couldn’t stop thinking about this girl.

The head of the orphanage told him that the girl’s name was Anya. She was introverted and didn’t talk much with other children. She didn’t say much about her family. Her mother had placed her in the orphanage, claiming she was very ill and no one would be able to look after the child if something happened to her. Anya had no other relatives or close people.

«By the way, it might seem strange, but her middle name is Kirillovna. But it might just be a coincidence.»

«Could it really be a coincidence?» Kirill wondered. He didn’t know what to do. It seemed a mature man who had built not just one company and was in good financial standing could not be thrown off by meeting a little girl.

Upon obtaining documents, it turned out that the girl had been brought directly from the hospital where her mother was lying. Being in the ward, she had written a refusal to keep her child. Kirill took the address of the hospital and went there.

Entering the chief doctor’s office, Kirill explained the entire situation. He asked about the woman who had given up her child. Petr Sergeevich recalled this woman and said that she was no longer alive. Her disease was at a very severe stage, and they couldn’t help her. The doctor handed over copies of this woman’s documents and said he couldn’t help further.

The woman in the passport photo seemed familiar…

On the way home, small fragments of that meeting in the club began to surface. Dasha was sitting in a corner, quiet and modest. She wasn’t like the club girls who usually threw themselves at Kirill, knowing about his status and that he was single. Kirill himself approached the girl for an introduction, which was an unusual step for him. They quickly found a common language, and their communication was easy. Daria didn’t even know who Kirill was and was unaware of his financial status.

They got closer, and one day Daria stayed the night at Kirill’s. The next day, Kirill urgently had to fly to another city for work. He was gone for several months, and he had forgotten about Dasha, as there were always many women around him. He was quite the ladies’ man and never took fleeting relationships seriously.

«Could this really be my daughter, but we only had one night together with Dasha…» These thoughts haunted him. «Why didn’t she call, why didn’t she tell me?» He would never get an answer to these questions.

The next day, Kirill went to the hospital again to talk to the nurses who had seen Dasha every shift.

There, he found one woman who was closer to Daria than anyone. She told him that the girl was incredibly strong despite her illness. She wanted only one thing — to survive for her daughter’s sake. But when she began to feel herself fading, she decided to leave her child at the orphanage.

She was sure that the girl’s father would find her. Apparently, she knew something.

«If Dasha found out who I am, then why didn’t she sue for child support? Why didn’t she ask for help? After all, by giving the child specifically to this orphanage, she knew I would eventually show up there.» — Kirill asked himself these questions but couldn’t find an answer.

Returning to the office, Kirill began gathering information about Dasha and Anya. Having connections in different structures, he found out that the girl was registered as a single mother. The child had no father from birth. Daria had no parents either. Everything seemed extremely strange.

To dispel doubts and close this topic, Kirill decided to do a DNA test with this girl. The result showed a 94% match. Now he knew for sure that this was his child, and Anya was not mistaken.

Kirill had many thoughts — joy, anxiety, worry. He knew that his life would never be the same as it was before. Kirill knew what it was like to live without parents.

The man was ready for almost anything, but not for the appearance of a child he had never suspected. He went back to the orphanage to see and talk to the child. He remembered the moment when she first screamed «daddy, daddy.»

Entering the children’s room, Anya sat on the bed, thoughtfully looking out the window. She wasn’t waiting for him.

Kirill approached the girl and placed his hand on her shoulder.

«You came back. Will you take me home this time? Just don’t say Mom didn’t tell you anything. You were supposed to take me. Mom couldn’t have lied to me.» — the girl said with less joy, as if knowing that Kirill wouldn’t take her.

«Hello, sweetie. This time I’ll take you home, don’t worry. Mom told me everything.»

For the first time, the girl hugged her father. This was her last hope for a happy life.

After years of struggling with infertility, we decided to adopt a charming 3-year-old named Sam, who had captivating ocean-blue eyes. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred when my husband, while preparing to bathe Sam, suddenly burst out of the bathroom, exclaiming, «We have to take him back!» His reaction baffled me until I noticed an unusual mark on Sam’s foot. What I thought would be a joyous addition to our family ended up exposing deep fissures in our marriage. Reflecting on it now, I understand that some blessings are cloaked in sorrow, and life’s timing can be oddly ironic.

«Feeling anxious?» I inquired as we drove to the adoption agency.

I fiddled with the small blue sweater I had purchased for Sam, our soon-to-be son. The material felt extraordinarily soft under my touch, and I pictured him wearing it.

«Anxious? No,» Mark responded, although his grip on the steering wheel betrayed his tension. «I just want to get there already. This traffic isn’t helping.»

He tapped rhythmically on the dashboard, a habit that had become more pronounced recently.

«You’ve double-checked the car seat multiple times,» he said with a half-hearted laugh. «Looks like you’re the one who’s anxious.»

«I am,» I admitted, smoothing out the sweater again. «We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.»

The adoption process had been exhaustive, primarily managed by me while Mark concentrated on his business. The endless paperwork, home evaluations, and interviews had consumed countless months. Initially, we aimed to adopt a baby, but facing long waitlists, we broadened our search.

That was when I stumbled upon Sam’s photo—a three-year-old with a smile bright enough to melt hearts and eyes that mirrored the clear summer sky.

His mother had left him, and something about his melancholic smile touched me deeply—perhaps it was destiny.

«Look at this little one,» I showed Mark the photo on my tablet one evening. The soft blue light washed over his face as he peered at it.

His tender smile told me he was as taken with Sam as I was. «He seems wonderful. Those eyes are remarkable.»

«But are we ready for a toddler?»

«We’re more than ready. No matter the child’s age, I know you’ll be an amazing mother,» he reassured me, squeezing my shoulder as we gazed at the photo together.

We proceeded with the adoption, and after an agonizing wait, the day came to bring Sam home. At the agency, Ms. Chen, the social worker, led us to where Sam was playing in a small room, intently building a tower with blocks.

«Sam,» she said gently, «do you remember the nice couple we told you about? They’re here to see you.»
I crouched beside him, my heart pounding with excitement. «Hello, Sam. That’s a fantastic tower you’re building. May I join in?»

He looked at me thoughtfully for a few seconds before nodding and passing me a red block. His small act of trust felt monumental, like the dawn of a new chapter in our lives. The ride home was serene. Sam held tightly to a plush elephant we’d given him, occasionally emitting little trumpet sounds that made Mark laugh softly. I glanced back at him in his car seat, overwhelmed by the reality of his presence.

Once home, I began to unpack the modest bundle of Sam’s belongings. His duffle bag was deceptively light, as if it were hard to believe it held a child’s entire world.

“I’ll bathe him,” Mark suggested from the doorway, a tentative offer in his voice. “You can take your time setting up his room just right.” “Perfect!” I responded, grateful for his initiative. “Oh, and use the bath toys we got for him.”

They headed toward the bathroom, and I hummed softly while organizing Sam’s new clothes. Placing each small sock and shirt into the dresser made everything feel incredibly real. But this tranquil moment was abruptly shattered.

“WE NEED TO TAKE HIM BACK!”

Mark’s outcry stunned me. Rushing into the hallway, I saw Mark, pale as a ghost.

“What do you mean, take him back?” I stammered, clutching the doorframe for support. “We can’t just return him like a mismatched pair of shoes!”

Mark paced back and forth, his hands weaving through his hair, his breaths short and uneven. “I realized…I can’t see him as my son. This was a mistake.”

“How can you say that?” My voice broke with emotion. “You were just laughing with him, making those elephant sounds!”

“It’s just hitting me now—I can’t connect with him,” he muttered, avoiding my gaze, his hands shaking.

“You’re being cruel!” I exclaimed, pushing past him to the bathroom.

Inside, Sam looked vulnerable and perplexed, clutching his elephant tightly to his chest while sitting in the tub, still fully clothed except for his socks and shoes. “Hey there, champ,” I managed to say cheerfully, my heart sinking. “Let’s get you cleaned up, shall we? Does Mr. Elephant want to join?”

Sam shook his head. “He doesn’t like the water.”

“That’s alright. He can stay dry here,” I reassured him, placing the toy on the counter. “Let’s lift those arms up, buddy.”

As I helped Sam out of his clothes, I froze. There, on his left foot, was a distinct birthmark. It was uncannily similar to one I had seen countless times on Mark’s foot during our summer pool days—a unique mark in the same exact place.
My hands shook as I gently washed Sam, my thoughts swirling in a tumult of disbelief and suspicion.

«You’ve got magic bubbles,» Sam observed, his finger dancing through the foam that I had absentmindedly squirted into the bath.

«They’re extra special today,» I replied absently, watching him splash. His innocent smile, once just his, now seemed to carry traces of my husband’s.

Later that evening, after settling Sam into his new bed, I approached Mark in our room. The space between us on our large bed felt like miles.

«Sam’s birthmark—it’s identical to yours.»

Mark paused, his watch in hand, and let out a strained chuckle that sounded more like shattering glass. «It’s just a coincidence. Lots of people have birthmarks.»

«I think we should get a DNA test,» I insisted.

«That’s absurd,» he retorted, turning away sharply. «You’re overthinking because of the stress.»

However, his dismissive attitude only deepened my suspicions. The next day, while Mark was at work, I collected a few strands of his hair and a cheek swab from Sam. I told Sam it was to check for cavities.

The waiting period was torturous. Mark became more withdrawn, often staying late at work, while Sam and I bonded deeply. He started to call me «Mama,» which filled me with both joy and a heartbreaking sense of foreboding.

We settled into a cozy routine of morning pancakes, bedtime stories, and afternoons spent collecting treasures—leaves and shiny rocks—during our walks to the park.

When the DNA results finally came, confirming my fears, I was devastated. Mark was indeed Sam’s biological father. I confronted Mark with the evidence one evening.

«It was just one night,» he confessed, broken. «I was drunk at a conference. It never occurred to me… I never even knew her name.»

«And you never thought to mention it?» My voice was icy. «Even as I struggled with infertility treatments, each failure breaking my heart?»

The next day, I met with a lawyer named Janet. She was sympathetic and confirmed that as Sam’s legal adoptive mother, I had full parental rights.

That evening, I told Mark, «I’m filing for divorce and seeking full custody of Sam.»

«Please, Amanda—»

«I need honesty, Mark, not pleas. You chose to hide the truth.»

He didn’t contest the divorce, and it proceeded swiftly. Sam, for his part, adapted better than I expected, though he occasionally asked about his dad.

I reassured him, «Sometimes adults make mistakes, but it doesn’t mean they don’t love you.»

Over the years, Mark remained distant, sending only birthday cards and the occasional email. People often asked if I regretted my decision to keep Sam. I never did.

Sam was no longer just an adopted child; he was my son. Despite the betrayals and the complexities, I had chosen to love him unconditionally, a commitment I promised never to break—except perhaps to his future spouse.

Despite his status and financial situation, Yegor Petrovich always rose with the first rays of the sun, adhering to the belief that «the early bird catches the worm.» Even today, on his fiftieth birthday, the man did not stray from his long-established habit. Yegor Petrovich did some exercises, took a shower, and dressed in his everyday clothes: trousers with creases, a crisply ironed shirt, and an understated knitted sweater. Smiling at his reflection in the mirror, he strutted confidently and walked into the living room, where his beloved wife and daughter were waiting for him. A huge cake with fifty candles was set on the table for the occasion.

«Happy Birthday, Daddy!» exclaimed Alina, throwing herself around her father’s neck.

His beloved wife, Lenochka, with whom Yegor Petrovich had spent many happy years in marriage, joined the embrace shortly after.

«Thank you, my dears! I’m so pleased! What a celebration you’ve organized! I’m at a loss for words!» Yegor Petrovich said, moved to tears, as his mind involuntarily returned to events nearly thirty years ago. Back then, at the age of twenty-three, a tiny cake on his table was hardly comparable to this magnificent culinary creation. At that time, the young man led a very poor existence and could not afford to live in a spacious house located in an elite cottage settlement.

Despite the fact that his father was a wealthy man during his lifetime, young Yegor rarely had extra money. This was because his father, Pyotr Vasilyevich, left his eldest son practically nothing when drafting his will. Officially, he handed over to his son a loss-making car repair shop on the outskirts of the city, which had long fallen into disrepair and ceased to be profitable. Meanwhile, the businessman himself had an entire network of gas stations and repair shops throughout the city, which brought him stable and high income.

Unfortunately, this financial empire, after the father’s last will, passed into the hands of Yegor’s younger brother, Maxim. Naturally, deep down, it was very painful for the young man that his father had deprived him so much when drafting the will. At that time, he did not know why this was the case and preferred not to be unnecessarily upset due to his youth.

Maxim, Yegor’s younger brother, besides being smaller, did not excel at work, preferring a leisurely and fun life free from financial problems. He loved visiting nightclubs and restaurants more than anything, spending parental money in amounts unimaginable for an ordinary person. Maxim and Yegor were about the same age, and few knew that the elder brother was actually his adopted sibling.

It turned out that Pyotr Vasilyevich and Darya Ivanovna could not have children for a long time, and when they finally despaired, they decided to adopt a child from an orphanage. Of course, the choice was agonizing and deliberate, as the head of the family understood that, given his financial situation and status, it was extremely important to have an heir who would take over the business after his departure and not give competitors the slightest chance.

Among all the adoption profiles, the wealthy parents chose little Yegorka, who, despite being born into a good family, became an orphan by a cruel twist of fate. The boy’s real parents died in a horrific car accident, which brought their three-year-old son to the walls of the orphanage. The tragic fate of his parents was only averted because, at that moment, he was in the nursery group of a kindergarten.

At first, when little Yegorka found himself in the family of his adoptive parents, he was surrounded by unearthly tenderness and care… But then, when Darya Ivanovna, to her astonishment, found out that she was pregnant, the attitude towards the boy changed dramatically. The birth of little Maxim drew a distinct line between the native son and the adopted one. Yegor lacked nothing, but still, he involuntarily felt a certain chill coming from his parents…

If the boys received gifts for New Year, Maxim’s were always better and more expensive than his older brother’s. The same was true for clothes and everything else. When Yegor graduated from school, his father advised him to apply to university on his own.

«Why are you looking at me like that, Yegor? If I help you with everything, you will never become a real man,» Pyotr Vasilyevich explained, while demonstratively giving his younger son money to take a girl to a cafe and the cinema.

«Alright, dad… Of course… I will prepare for admission,» Yegor meekly responded then.

His father passed away when the young man was twenty-two. It goes without saying what a blow this was for the unfortunate young man. While his younger brother slept off another night of revelry, Yegor helped his mother organize the funeral and the memorial dinner. At that moment, the young man hardly thought about the inheritance or anything related to his father’s will. But a month after the father’s death, when the notary public announced the last will, tears welled up in Yegor’s eyes…

«How could you do this, daddy? … Why did you treat me this way? And why do I now need this half-ruined car repair shop on the outskirts of the city?» the young man thought, trying not to notice the gloating expression on his younger brother’s face, who at eighteen became a millionaire, now owning nearly half the city.

Aloud, of course, Yegor did not express his disappointment but bore the resentment in silence. However, after his father treated him that way, the young man could not stay in his parents’ home and rented a room on the outskirts of the city. Maxim, on the occasion of his inheritance, threw a lavish banquet for a hundred people and partied for three days straight, dousing all the guests with champagne and expensive wine.

Meanwhile, his elder brother tried to bring the car repair shop, bequeathed to him by his father, into order. Initially, upon seeing it, the young man’s hands simply dropped. It was an old, dilapidated building with broken windows and peeling, partially faded paint on the window frames and door… The room was drafty, and it was as cold as in a cellar… Trying to find money for repairs, Yegor approached his younger brother with this request.

«I would gladly help… But I don’t have any free money right now… I’ve put everything into the business… I’m developing a promising direction, bro… So, come by some other time, alright?» Maxim responded.

Yegor, who didn’t even get a chance to tell his brother that he would return the money with any interest, left with nothing. Since childhood, the young man felt that there was a huge difference between him and his younger brother in the eyes of their parents.

«And how am I worse than Maxim? Maybe I didn’t turn out as handsome? Or did I not meet your expectations?» Yegor thought sadly, returning to his car repair shop.

At the same time, he was repeatedly offered to sell the building for a purely symbolic payment… But Yegor, honoring the memory of his late father, even dying of hunger, would not have agreed to this.

«Why do you need these ruins, boy? After all, you don’t have the money for restoration anyway… But with it, we could turn your workshop into an elite auto service…» competitors told Yegor.

But our hero was resolute and firmly stood his ground. Yegor tried to take out a loan at the bank, but due to the low financial status of the client, he was denied. And then, the young man decided to raise his business by his own efforts. Of course, he could not combine work at the car repair shop with university studies, so he chose the former and gave up all hopes of obtaining a higher education.

Making such a fateful decision in his life, the young man began to repair cars in a damp, unheated room at his own risk and peril. Initially, there were very few clients. But everyone who, one way or another, turned to Yegor for help, remained satisfied with the services and the quality of the work performed. As is known, word of mouth works much more effectively than any advertising. Therefore, grateful clients began to recommend the small workshop on the outskirts of the city to all their acquaintances.

Little by little, by his own efforts, the young man repaired the workshop and purchased new equipment. Then, he expanded the premises and hired a couple of skilled auto mechanics. Business picked up, gradually increasing its turnover. That’s when competitors and enemies of Yegor stopped laughing. And the young man, working up to the seventh sweat, intensified his efforts, got on his feet, and expanded his business. After all, bloodied hands, elbow-deep in car grease, and chronic sleep deprivation and fatigue were a very high price for his hard-earned success.

And when Yegor managed to save enough money to open a second car repair shop, his mother died, saying such shocking words to the young man before her death.

«Son… Forgive us, your father and I… We never told you… Basically, you’re adopted… I’m about to die soon… So I decided to confess… I’ve lived with this all my life… Endured… And now, it’s like a stone has fallen from my heart,» the old woman whispered, dying from an incurable disease.

«Thank you, mommy! There’s no one closer or dearer to me than you… After all, a real mother is not the one who gave birth, but the one who raised you,» Yegor whispered through tears, holding the thin hand of the sick woman.

Soon after, his mother was gone, and it was the last time the elder son saw her alive. But now, realizing that he was adopted, the young man understood why his father had been so cold to him. And this discovery gave him the strength and energy to continue working…

Meanwhile, his younger brother systematically squandered the parental fortune, amassing substantial sums for alimony and divorce proceedings. At the same time, Maxim did not work a single day, preferring the noise and revelry of the nightclub to the stuffy office atmosphere.

When Yegor turned twenty-four, Elena appeared in his life, becoming his faithful wife and helper for all the following years. Lena grew up in a poor family and, falling madly in love with Yegor, devoted her entire life to him. The young people recognized the sincerity of each other’s feelings, played a modest wedding, and led a quiet family life. A year later, the couple had a lovely little girl, whom the loving parents named Alina…

The birth of their daughter only spurred Yegor on to new achievements, and by the age of thirty-five, he earned his first million. Further, there was more… The smart and far-sighted young man restored himself at the university and graduated with honors. Having knowledge and money in hand, Yegor began to invest them in real estate and other profitable business projects.

By this time, his younger brother Maxim had completely squandered the parental fortune and, living below the poverty line, turned to Yegor for help.

«Sorry, bro, but I don’t have any free money right now… If you want, I can offer you a mechanic’s position in one of my auto services,» Yegor responded, who had not forgotten the royal generosity his brother had shown him many years ago.

Not wanting to repeat the mistake of his parents, the newly minted millionaire raised his daughter Alina with strictness, implying the absence of any kind of extravagance. Of course, this did not mean that the girl lacked anything or lived in a monastic cell. Just Yegor, from childhood, instilled in the girl a love for labor, so that she would not turn into a capricious princess, tirelessly squandering her parents’ money. Instead, she became a sweet Cinderella, understanding the value of earned money and that, at any moment, the fairy-tale carriage could turn into a pumpkin.

By the age of sixteen, despite the presence of servants in the house, Alina already knew how to cook beautifully, was familiar with a mop and washing machine. And now, as the girl turned twenty-one, her father realized it was time to think about her marriage. The thing was that business partners had repeatedly hinted to Yegor Petrovich that they would not mind becoming related to him. But the wise businessman did not want to give his daughter away to another representative of the «golden youth,» commonly called «majors» among the people.

He knew that they, just like his younger brother Maxim, were accustomed only to luxury and wealth. Such unions usually lead to the ruin of parents’ capitals or a painful and burdensome divorce process laden with infidelity.

Many of Yegor Petrovich’s companions considered him a stuck-up upstart who did not know what he wanted for his daughter. But this was not the case at all. And some influential businessmen even considered the millionaire’s refusal a personal insult and harbored bitter resentment in their hearts. That’s why today, in the midst of celebrating the fiftieth anniversary, Yegor Petrovich occasionally glanced at his daughter, involuntarily noting her beauty, intelligence, and charm…

«Ah, you need to get married, my dear…,» the man thought, understanding how important a proper marriage is.

The next day, the businessman, as usual, went on a tour of his enterprises and industrial facilities. This work could have been entrusted to his manager, but Yegor Petrovich preferred to do everything himself and did not trust the conduct of business to outsiders. On the way, the businessman stopped by the very car repair shop, bequeathed by his adoptive father and with which his ascent to the financial Olympus had begun.

It still belonged to Yegor Petrovich, so from time to time, he visited there to indulge in moments of nostalgia and pay homage to his past. The businessman, out of habit, mentally greeted the building that made him a millionaire and entered inside.

Looking around, to his surprise, he saw a mechanic sleeping in a corner of the workshop. The young man was in tattered pants, sneakers in need of repair, and a patched-up jacket. At the same time, he was covered from head to toe in grease and machine oil.

«Is he drunk?» the businessman asked his partner in astonishment.

«No, Petrovich… This is Danil… He doesn’t drink a drop… An orphan from an orphanage… Has nowhere to live, so he works around the clock in the workshop… Wants to save up for a house… And sleeps in between clients… Don’t scold him… He’s already having a hard time,» the man explained, guiltily looking at the owner.

But Yegor Petrovich had no intention of punishing the young man… Instead, he gently touched his shoulder and gestured for him to come outside. There, after a couple of polite words, the businessman got to the point…

«Danil, I want to make you an offer… How you respond to it will determine your future life. The fact is, I’m looking for a groom for my daughter… I think you could be the one! What do you say?» Yegor Petrovich straightforwardly laid out the essence of the question.

The young man looked at the millionaire in surprise and then said:

«With all due respect to you… I am resolutely against it… I don’t need your money and I want to marry only for love… And now, sorry, I need to go to work.»

Yegor Petrovich thoughtfully watched the departing worker and mentally admired his response. The businessman realized that with such a young man, Alina would certainly not be lost… Yegor Petrovich saw in Danil’s eyes the same spark that once burned in himself… Throughout the entire return journey, the businessman thought only of this young man. Yegor Petrovich was so impressed by his story that he knew he could not let such a candidate slip away.

Returning home, the millionaire called Alina to his office and asked his daughter to take his second car and go to the workshop to change the oil in the engine. Naturally, he did not tell her that he had been there just half an hour ago. The businessman’s calculation was simple… He hoped that Danil would either notice his daughter or, conversely, become reserved and reduce communication with her to a minimum.

Fortunately for the father-millionaire, the first scenario played out and the daughter returned home very late. When Yegor Petrovich asked where she had been, the girl, smiling sweetly, answered that she had met a nice young man working in his workshop. As it turned out, mutual attraction sparked between the young people within the first minutes of communication, engulfing them completely.

From that day on, Alina and Danil started dating, although the girl did not tell the young man who her father really was. After all, more than anything, Alina did not want the young man to think of her as a princess – a white-handed lady who only knew how to spend her parents’ money and shop. But when Danil asked the girl to introduce him to her parents, everything fell into place…

Not knowing what to say, Danil looked amazed at the exquisite decor of the living room where Yegor Petrovich and his wife were waiting for him. Looking at the embarrassed young people, the businessman got up from the table and, anticipating their faltering explanations, said:

«I know… What you’re thinking about marriage… I’ll say more… We, your mother and I, are not against it and bless you, my dears, for a long and happy life!»

Hearing the words of the bride’s father, who turned out to be the owner of the workshop where he worked, Danil firmly shook his hand and gently embraced Alina’s mother.

Some time later, the young people played a modest, quiet wedding. Partly, this was due to Danil and Alina’s reluctance to spend money on ostentatious luxury and pomp. Instead, they made the first payment on a mortgage they took out right after the honeymoon. Danil flatly refused help from Yegor Petrovich and, over time, achieved everything on his own.

At first, he became a senior auto mechanic in the workshop, and then, working up to the seventh sweat and bloody calluses on his hands, he became a manager. After the wedding, Yegor Petrovich’s companions often teased him, thinking he had gone mad and given Alina away to a pauper.

«He’ll surely bankrupt you… How can a street boy understand how to run a business? Laughable, and that’s it,» the millionaire’s envious competitors and ill-wishers told him.

But the man, modestly smiling, thought otherwise and knew that his daughter was in safe hands. For, while the daughters and sons of his millionaire friends disappeared for days on end in casinos and nightclubs, Alina and Danil developed and strengthened the family business, inherited by Yegor Petrovich at the cost of incredible efforts and inhuman labor. Subsequently, the size of the business built by the wise businessman and his daughter’s family reached unprecedented proportions and even went beyond the borders of the country… This was explained by the fact that Alina’s son-in-law, like him, had gone all the way from the bottom to the very top and knew the value of human labor and a drop of sweat on the face of a working person.

— Gena, are you absolutely sure about this?

— Mom…

— You do realize she’s only with you for the money, right?

Gennady sighed softly.

— Mom, you are mistaken, but I’m not going to argue with you, because it’s pointless. You can think what you like. We’re not aiming for a lavish wedding.

— Gena, stop it. I’m sure she’s just using you. You know it yourself. This girl…

— Mom, please, don’t continue. Lena and I have known each other for over five years, and we’ve thought this decision through carefully.

— I just want you to understand: no matter what, you are a highly eligible bachelor. Any woman would go for you. You know our status.

Gennady closed his eyes, weary.

— Mom, what’s more important to you—our status or my happiness?

Anna Nikolaevna looked helplessly at her husband.

— Sasha, why are you silent?

Alexander, setting aside his newspaper, smiled.

— Anna, you have one trait: you only remember me when you hit a dead end. Otherwise, you make all the decisions yourself, for 27 years now. By the way, when your decisions lead to problems, you always blame me.

Anna Nikolaevna squinted.

— Are you finished? Now say something relevant.

— Gena is an adult and sensible man. I don’t see why we should obstruct his marriage to Lena. She seems quite decent.

— What do you mean, decent! There can’t be decent people without money nowadays.

— You didn’t always have money either, ever think about that?

Anna Nikolaevna was clearly on the verge of exploding.

— Sasha, you are irresponsible! Our son is about to ruin his life!

— Calm down. Nothing terrible is happening. He will continue his treatment, and maybe his young wife will even have a positive influence on him. I can’t understand what you’re so upset about.

Anna Nikolaevna stormed out of the room, while Gennady struggled to his feet.

— Thanks, Dad.

— How are you feeling?

— Fine, don’t worry.

When Gena was 17, something strange happened to him, and the doctors couldn’t accurately diagnose it. They switched from one assumption to another, but the treatment only helped partially. As one professor said:

— It feels like your son has lost the ability to resist diseases. If it were the last century, I’d say it’s some sort of curse. But we live in the modern world, so all we can do is throw up our hands and watch.

Alexander knew that not all problems could be solved with money, but still spent large amounts on treatment in the best clinics until Gennady asked:

— Please, let me rest. I’ve forgotten what our house looks like, and when I last slept in my own bed.

Unexpectedly, his mother, who had insisted on various treatments, supported her son:

— Sasha, maybe we really should let Gena rest? We’ll follow the doctors’ recommendations.

Alexander waved it off. He would argue if he saw even the slightest improvement. But there wasn’t any. At home, Gena actually felt better: his appetite returned, and he even gained a little weight.

Since then, he was hospitalized twice a year for examinations, then returned home with new medical recommendations.

Gena eventually graduated from university, largely thanks to financial support from his father. It wasn’t that he was a poor student, but regular absences weren’t welcomed, and his health often kept him away.

He and Lena had met during their college years. They had been friends all this time, and only recently Lena had confessed her feelings, which made Gena feel as if wings had sprouted behind his back.

As he had expected, the wedding turned out to be even more lavish than one could imagine. His mother organized such a celebration that it seemed the whole town was invited. Lena smiled all evening, trying not to pay attention to the tense atmosphere.

Relations between Lena’s mother, Galina Ivanovna, and Anna Nikolaevna did not start well. Anna believed that Galina, without proper status and money, should have bowed down to their family. However, this did not happen, and Galina tried to keep her distance from the groom’s parents.

The climax of the evening was the gift-giving. When Lena’s mother announced that she was giving the young couple a small house that had belonged to her grandfather, located in a nature reserve area, Anna Nikolaevna couldn’t hold back:

— My God, how can you present a shack at the edge of the earth as the greatest gift?

Gena looked at his mother:

— Enough, Mom.

— What do you mean, enough, Gena? We can’t change anything now!

After Galina Ivanovna left, Anna immediately turned to her husband:

— Look at her! She’s nobody, yet so full of pride.

A few days after the wedding, Gena told his parents:

— Mom, Dad, Lena and I have decided to live in the house that Galina Ivanovna gave us.

Anna Nikolaevna nearly fainted:

— Are you insane?! Is Lena influencing you like this? She wants to take you away from treatment so you die sooner, and she takes the inheritance!

Alexander frowned:

— What are you saying, Anna? Have you lost your mind?

Anna burst out:

— I think quite rationally! You know that Gennady needs to be under constant medical supervision. He’s planning to move to the wilderness! I won’t allow it!

— We already have the tickets, — Gena calmly replied.

— Well, — Anna said coldly, — in that case, don’t come to me for help anymore. Let your new family take care of you.

— Gen, don’t be mad at Mom, you know her. She’ll come around. If you need anything, call me, I’ll help however I can.

— Thanks, Dad.

— Can you tell me why you decided to go there? Mom is right about one thing—it’s really remote.

Gena smirked:

— Dad, you probably won’t believe this, but there are healing springs there. Lena and her mom are sure this place will help me get better. Honestly, I don’t really believe it, but why not try?

— You’re too skeptical. Sometimes what can’t be explained really works. Good luck to you both.

When they arrived at the house, Gena was surprised:

— Everything here is overgrown.

Lena smiled:

— Well, of course, no one has lived here for five years. Don’t worry, we’ll rest and then get to work.

Lena opened the door, and they entered. The house was cozy, almost dust-free, which seemed strange to Gena. He was so tired that he sat down on the sofa and fell asleep within minutes.

For the first time, Lena got the house in order, and Gena helped as much as he could. Surprisingly, he began to feel better, as if he had more energy. A week later, Gena, for the first time in a long time, finished his entire dinner and was amazed:

— I don’t understand how, but I managed to eat it all!

Lena smiled:

— Trust me, miracles happen in these places.

Gena looked at her curiously:

— Why do you say that?

— I used to come here often as a child and saw a lot of unusual things.

— Probably, the local boys chased after you!

— Stop it, — Lena laughed. — By the way, there’s a surprise waiting for you tomorrow!

The next day, something interesting was supposed to be delivered, but Gena couldn’t find out what it was, no matter how much he questioned Lena. They fell asleep with smiles on their faces, happily embracing.

— Sasha, I don’t understand why you’re doing nothing? It’s been six months since Lena took our son away, and you seem indifferent to everything, — grumbled Anna Nikolaevna.

Alexander Semenovich looked up from his papers:

— What do you suggest? Call the rescuers and forcibly bring him home? Don’t forget, he’s now married and has his own life.

Anna Nikolaevna stamped her foot indignantly:

— You’re talking nonsense! He needed to be hospitalized a month ago, but as soon as I start talking about treatment, he immediately insists he’s fine and hangs up. How can he be alright without treatment? — she exclaimed angrily.

Alexander understood that behind her apparent dissatisfaction, Anna was hiding her concern for their son. He put aside the documents and suggested:

— If you’re so worried, let’s visit them. We’ll see how they’re living.

Anna paused for a moment, then smiled:

— That would be wonderful.

— Then pack your bags, I’ll check the route with Gena, and we’ll leave tomorrow morning.

They reached the village just in the evening.

— Lord, what ruins! — sighed Anna Nikolaevna.

Alexander remarked with a smile:

— I like it. Pure nature, no trash, nothing extra. Oh, look, a rabbit just ran by!

Anna watched in astonishment as the rabbit raced ahead of the car:

— This is just like a zoo! I wouldn’t be surprised if bears walk through the yards here.

Sasha laughed.

— Looks like we’re here.

At that moment, the gates swung open, and Gena came out to meet them. Anna Nikolaevna froze in astonishment, and Alexander simply opened his mouth. Before them stood a healthy, robust young man, nothing like the skinny youth of before.

— Mom, Dad, how I’ve missed you! — exclaimed Gena.

They embraced for a long time, and Anna Nikolaevna even teared up.

— Genochka, look how you’ve changed!

— Mom, it’s all thanks to Lena. And also—bees. You wouldn’t believe how fascinating this is.

Lena came out onto the porch, smiling shyly as if glowing from within. She also hugged her husband’s parents.

— Thank you, dear. You’ve done what the best doctors couldn’t, — said Anna Nikolaevna with tears in her eyes.

After exchanging pleasantries, they finally unloaded the car and handed over all the gifts. Lena invited everyone to the table. Anna examined the dishes with interest, reminiscent of her childhood: everything looked so tasty and appetizing. Gena brought out a bottle:

— Dad, here’s some homemade mead for you.

Alexander laughed:

— You’re like real masters here, you have everything!

Everyone tried the mead, except for Lena.

Anna Nikolaevna noticed this and said disappointedly:

— What, still upset with us, won’t even drink to our arrival?

Lena blushed:

— I can’t.

Anna looked at Gena in surprise:

— Are you sick?

Gena smiled:

— We’re having a baby. So, Mom, get ready to be a grandmother!

Anna couldn’t understand where all the tears were coming from. They cried, hugged, then cried again. Then, unexpectedly for everyone, Anna resolutely declared:

— That’s it, I’m staying here for a couple of weeks. I need to buy something and help out. Sasha, you’ve been offering me a car for a long time, right? So buy it! And make it big, so I can bring something useful for my grandchild before he arrives. We’ll take Lena to the city, let her give birth in a good clinic.

She would have continued issuing orders, but everyone around laughed. Anna Nikolaevna was a bit embarrassed:

— Well, I just want what’s best!

Lena approached and hugged her:

— I will listen to you. Genka doesn’t understand these matters at all, and I’m a bit scared myself.

Anna smiled and, gently pressing her to herself, said:

— Don’t be afraid, I’m here.

A small orphan boy knelt in the quiet of a church, tears streaming down his face as he pleaded with God. “Please, let my mom come back for me,” he whispered, his voice trembling with desperation. Then, just as his cries faded into the stillness, a voice from behind startled him. “I’ll take you,” it said softly.

The pain of abandonment leaves scars that words can barely describe. Six-year-old Alan knew this all too well. Left at a shelter as a baby, he grew up yearning for a mother he’d never known. His young heart clung to hope, and on this day, his prayer became a cry for rescue.

“Jesus,” Alan sobbed, his tiny hands clasped tightly, “my nanny told me you answer prayers. I just want my mommy. Please send her to me.”

Nancy, the kind woman who cared for him at the shelter, gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “Alan, darling, calm down. The church is a place of peace.”

But Alan couldn’t stop. The sight of a mother and child entering the church reignited his longing. “Why does she have her mommy, and I don’t?” he asked through sobs, his big, tear-filled eyes fixed on the pair.

Nancy tried to console him, but then came the unexpected voice. “I’ll take you.” Alan and Nancy turned to see the woman and child standing behind them. The woman’s gaze was fixed on Alan, her eyes brimming with tears.

“My boy,” she said softly, “I’ve come for you. I’m your mother.”

Nancy froze in disbelief. “His mother? How do you know his name? What proof do you have?”

The woman, Annette, took out a photograph. It showed her as a teenager holding a newborn baby. “This is Alan. I left him at the shelter six years ago,” she said, her voice breaking.

Nancy’s heart ached as she stared at the picture. “Why would you abandon him?” she asked, struggling to mask her anger.

Annette’s story spilled out in shaky words. At 16, she had fallen pregnant, and when her boyfriend abandoned her, her parents gave her an ultimatum: give up the baby or lose their support. “I wasn’t ready to be a mother,” Annette confessed. “I left Alan at the shelter, thinking it was the best choice for him.”

Though she moved on, Annette could never forget her son. She often visited the church to catch glimpses of him. But today, hearing his cries shattered her resolve to remain distant. “I couldn’t stay away anymore,” she said. “I want to bring him home.”

DNA tests confirmed their bond, and Annette began the process to regain custody. Yet her decision came at a cost. Her parents disowned her, and her husband, Jason, couldn’t accept her choice. “I thought you left the past behind,” he said coldly. “I can’t be a father to someone else’s child.”

Jason filed for divorce, and Annette found herself starting over. She lost her parents’ financial support and her marriage, but she gained what mattered most: her son. Together with Alan and her daughter, Amy, Annette built a new life, free from the shadows of judgment.

“I may have lost everything,” Annette said one day as she tucked Alan into bed, “but I found you. And that makes my life complete.”