When Olesya stepped down from the bus, she did so awkwardly and slowly.
Along the way, there was silence and the only evidence of life was her tears. Nothing was the same after Andrey died for her. She was able to carry on because their daughter was due in two months.
It was two years later that she and Jack met. Living life was tough—I had to attend school all day and be at the factory at night. She had endured a lot of hardship. Andrey was sent by his factory to install the new machinery and from then on, they could not be parted.
Immediately after learning Olesya was pregnant, Andrey proposed to her. He wished for her to meet his family and start their married life with him.
Still, Olesya was worried that her past would make his wealthy family reject her. Andrey did not see what worried her, but she wasn’t ready yet.
Andrey said goodbye to us three months ago when he left to visit his family and told us he would be back soon.
It took days, then weeks before she got impatient.
Even
A workmate happen to bring up the topic of death at work, saying the man who had installed the equipment had passed away.
She had heard nothing but walked to the accountant’s to learn the news: after going home, Andrey was attacked by three men. He never returned to his family.
The news hit Olesya hard. Her empty insides were filled with only pain.
She now walked through the rain, searching for his grave in the cemetery. She was required to leave them. Or, to finally forgive herself. He arrived early to make his family ready for their meeting, yet she was still held back by fear.
When the doctor went to see him, there was a wreath of flowers over the fresh grave. There was an old mausoleum not far from the spot. The smiling face of a man looked down from cross above.
“My love, I’d like to see you dear,” she whispered, kneeling down. The tears kept running and wouldn’t stop.
With time, the water and the cold awakened her and she began to stir again.
Someone had taken her phone. She had no place to stay. She lifted the crypt lid and walked inside.
I am sorry for what I did. I just need to get some rest right now.”
She settled down, letting the door stay open a little. Then there was a growing excitement. Sitting a few steps from him was a phone that was vibrating and seemed unfamiliar.
She hesitated as she picked up the letter. “Hello?”
There was a voice on the other line. I apologize, my phone is making the noise. I felt my emotions get away from me yesterday.
“It’s sitting right here.”
Can you send it back to me? You don’t need to worry about the cost; this package holds important information.
She whispered, “I’m standing by her gravesite.”
“Oh, right. I spent yesterday at work. I must not have taken it.
I didn’t feel so good, so I—
Olesya let the phone fall. The lights went out.
A man woke her from her sleep. “Miss! Are you alright?”
Dima was Andrey’s brother. He could recognize her, thanks to the stories Andrey had described about her. He carried her to his car quickly and then called to explain what happened.
I found Andrey’s girlfriend at his grave, Mom.
“Bring her to the clinic,” Nina told them. We’ll meet up there.
When she woke up at the clinic, Olesya saw Nina and Dima beside her bed. She immediately stepped away.
I am Andrey’s mother, said Nina softly.
I’m not reaching out for help. I only wanted to let you know that goodbye,” Olesya whispered.
Please tell me about yourself and my son, Nina said.
Olesya wouldn’t withhold any information. The next thing she asked was, “You didn’t want to go with him, did you?”
She finally said, “I was very afraid.”
I was raised in an orphanage. I wasn’t sure how your family would respond.
“The people you call your friends are the wrong company for you,” Nina explained. I don’t act like that. Rest now. We’ll have our discussion tomorrow.
Some time after, Nina and Dima took care of getting Olesya’s belongings. Among everything, I found images of her and Andrey looking happy and content. The look of sadness grew in Nina’s eyes.
“They were happy together,” she told me. “We’re here to care for her and the baby.”
Dima nodded. “Of course.”
After two years…
“Karinochka! Hurry over to Grandma!” With arms outstretched, Nina dialed her phone. As Olesya watched, her granddaughter ran straight into her arms. She made her home in the center of the city, learning law with Nina helping out and a nanny there to help.
Nina could see that the girl was unsure.
Olesya, I want to have a conversation with you.
She finished nodding, feeling watchful.
Have you ever asked yourself if you truly love Dima?
“I do.”
But most of all, he loves you. What is the actual issue here?
Olesya hesitated. “It’s Andrey… I wonder if I’m being unfair to him still.
Nina had a gentle but firm way of speaking. “He’s gone. However, you’re still breathing. Andrey brought you both love and a child. You now have something to look forward to. Those who are alive should be with those who are alive.
She left her alone in silence. Olesya kept looking at her phone for a while.
After that, slowly, she found Dima’s information and started to type a message.
“I’m ready.”
