I work as a sales manager in a store. That’s my life in a nutshell. »
Olga listened attentively and realized she liked Lena. She had green eyes framed by long eyelashes and a small, well-shaped nose. She was a very pleasant woman who spoke calmly and deliberately.
« Unfortunately, Andrei didn’t tell me anything about you. I would have loved to meet you sooner. »
« Perhaps he was afraid to tell you I have a child. Many people have a negative attitude toward women with ‘baggage.’ Or perhaps he’s simply not ready for family life. I’m not putting any pressure on him. » » We’re happy together, that’s what matters. »
« Lena, why don’t you come to our house with Andrei and Vladik? I’d be so happy to have you! »
« If Andrei agrees, we’ll come with pleasure. I’m glad we met! »
That evening, Olga announced to her son:
« Andrei, I’m expecting you, Lena, and Vlad at our house on Saturday. I won’t accept any refusals. Lena has already accepted. We met by chance in the street. I’d already seen her with you, so I went to talk to her first. »
« Mom, why are you interfering in my life? Now you’ve invited them too. I don’t even know what to say. I’m not sure I want to marry her. I’m happy with things as they are. » «
Son, don’t be angry. I’m not forcing you to marry her, but I would be happy to spend time with Lena. » I liked her very much. She’s a kind woman.
Andrei mumbled something incomprehensible and went to his room.
He was exactly like his father. He had the same explosive temper.
Olga’s husband had left her three years earlier. He had started an affair with a colleague. Olga had let him go without making a scene. You can’t force someone to love you, and their relationship had been on the rocks for a long time.
Evgeny liked to drink and often went away on business trips. At some point, Olga realized they had become strangers to each other.
Andrei stayed in touch with his father and sometimes told Olga things about his life, but she wasn’t particularly interested.
Lena, her son, and Andrei came to visit them. Vladik looked very much like his mother. He had the same hair and eye color. He was a calm and composed boy.
Olga did everything she could to please Lena and Vlad. She offered them various dishes and pastries she had bought at the store.
The visit took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Even Andrei behaved differently than usual. He joked and seemed happy.
Watching them, Olga thought, « I wish they would get married and give me a granddaughter. I would be so happy. »
From that day on, Lena and Vladik became frequent visitors to Olga’s house. Sometimes, Lena would even come when Andrei wasn’t there. Olga constantly invited them over.
She loved chatting with Lena about all sorts of things. Sometimes they would drink wine or go shopping together. Olga sincerely hoped that her son would propose to Lena. She couldn’t imagine a better wife for him.
Then, for several days, Lena stopped answering Olga’s calls.
« Andrei, is there something wrong with Lena’s phone? I can’t reach her. Do you know anything? » “
We’ve broken up. Don’t ask me anything.”
“What do you mean, you’ve broken up? Why? Everything seemed to be going so well,” said Olga, deeply upset.
“That’s just how it is. I don’t need any more trouble.”
“Tell me what happened.”
“Vlad has been diagnosed with an illness. He suddenly became very sick. He urgently needs expensive medication. Lena is panicking and doesn’t know what to do. She’s probably waiting for me to help her. But how can I help her? It’s easier for me to leave her.”
Olga stared at her son in disbelief.
What was he saying?
“You abandoned the woman you love during a difficult time because you didn’t want to help her son? You’re a disgrace.”
“Why should I be a disgrace? Why should I give money to another woman’s child? Of course, I feel sorry for him, but there’s nothing I can do. Lena is strong. She’ll be fine.”
“You have money saved up for a new car! You can keep driving your old one and save a child’s life instead. Didn’t you think of that? Is a piece of metal worth more to you than a human life?”
“Oh, Mom, don’t start lecturing me.”
Andrei left.
Olga slumped into a chair and buried her face in her hands. How could they have raised such a cold, heartless man?
She had a small amount of savings. She had put aside part of her salary, and there was also some money left over from her husband. She had opened a deposit account and reinvested the interest. She had saved for a rainy day.
That rainy day had arrived.
Olga had grown to love Elena and her son, and she sincerely wanted to help them.
Finally, Lena called her back.
« I’m sorry, Olga Ivanovna. I couldn’t get back to you. I didn’t have time. »
« Lenochka, I know everything. I really want to help Vladik. Tomorrow, I’ll withdraw my savings and give you money for your son’s treatment. »
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