Maxim stopped his car in the overcrowded parking lot of the children’s hospital, barely finding a spot between other vehicles. Today, the place was especially crowded, as if every parent had decided to visit their child on that very day.
It had become his constant ritual: after finishing his work, he would swing by his favorite café “Camilla,” and then head here to spend time with his daughter. She had been in the clinic for several months, and every meeting with her turned into a struggle against his own despair.
None of the doctors were able to pinpoint a precise diagnosis. No matter how many specialists Maxim consulted, they all said the same thing: the problem was related to the brain. This organ operates by its own rules, controlling the entire body.
— Are you kidding me? — Maxim exploded, accusing them of professional incompetence. — If you can’t figure out the cause, then you’re just hiding behind scientific jargon!
The doctors simply shrugged, expressing their helplessness.
Psychologists claimed that the death of her mother had been a trauma too severe for the girl. In their opinion, the brain had developed its own unique defense mechanisms.
— What do you mean? A child is dying before your eyes and you can do nothing? — Maxim was on the verge of tears from sheer hopelessness. — I have money, and I’m ready to spend any amount, just to help Sonya.
— Money won’t help here, — they replied calmly.
Maxim barely restrained his anger.
— Then what should I do? Speak plainly! I’ll find a way, any way.
— This isn’t something you can buy. Let me explain… In your case, something exceptional is needed. Or, on the other hand, you need to eliminate the factor that triggers such a reaction in the body.
— What nonsense! Perhaps you should suggest consulting a psychic?
The senior doctor looked at him intently.
— If that could help, I wouldn’t object. Let me repeat: classical methods are powerless here. All we can do is provide calm, give positive emotions, and support her body with medication.
— And if her condition worsens?
— Then hospitalization will be necessary. She has already slipped into a critical state twice. In a hospital setting, we can respond quickly to any changes.
— That won’t happen, — Maxim muttered, lowering his head into his palms.
He was terrified of losing his wife, sensing her departure, yet he never imagined he would face such pain alone. Sonya loved her mother boundlessly, and he… he still couldn’t accept her loss. He had to push aside his own feelings to focus on saving his daughter.
Sonya astonishingly accepted the need for prolonged treatment with calm. She stroked his cheek.
— Daddy, don’t worry. I’ll behave well. And you can work in peace without having to stay home with me all the time.
Maxim didn’t know whether to be happy or sad—his eight-year-old daughter spoke as if she were an adult.
The sound of a scream made him start. A little girl was running from the shopping center, with a security guard chasing after her.
— Stop her!
The little girl dashed past his car, and Maxim caught a glimpse of her frightened look.
“Could it be over a bun?!” he thought and got out of the car just in time to block the guard’s path.
— Wait!
— What? Get back!
— Otherwise, I’ll stop you myself! — Maxim pulled out several banknotes. — This is enough to cover the damage and even throw a party.
The guard grumbled something under his breath in discontent, took the money, and disappeared. Meanwhile, Maxim entered the hospital.
His first stop was the doctor’s office. The conversation remained formal since nothing had changed. However, today the doctor kept him waiting.
— Maxim Andreevich, we have a question for you. Sonya asked if she could interact with the other patients in the ward. What is your opinion?
Maxim froze, not expecting such a turn.
— That’s a good sign, — the doctor continued. — She’s begun to take an interest in the world beyond her room. But our colleagues worry that after prolonged isolation, contact with other children might be too stressful for her psyche. We need your decision.
— So, the responsibility falls on me again? — Maxim stood up, trying to hide his nervousness.
— Yes, you’re right. If something goes wrong, the consequences will fall on us. But it’s better to be honest than to make excuses later.
Maxim nodded as he left the office.
He stopped in front of the ward’s door, trying to muster a smile on his face. But it came out poorly. Soon he would see his little one, who in recent weeks had barely gotten out of bed, refusing to eat…
Food seemed like torture for her: her stomach rejected even the smallest portions. Just swallowing a couple of spoonfuls would trigger bouts of vomiting.
— Hi, — he said as he entered.
Sonya tensed slightly, but smiled.
— Hi, Daddy.
It seemed to Maxim that her cheeks had indeed become a bit rosier.
— How are you feeling?
— Fine.
She seemed strangely hurried, as if she wanted him to leave as soon as possible. It was unthinkable—after all, she had hardly seen anyone except nurses and a teacher.
Maxim took out some fruit.
— Look at these beautiful apples.
— Yes, thank you.
And then he noticed something odd. There were empty plates on the table, although they should have been there with dinner not long ago.
— Sonya, why did you eat all of your dinner?
The little girl sighed and turned toward the curtain:
— Lena, come out. Daddy won’t be angry.
From behind the curtain appeared the same little girl he’d saved from the security guard.
— What does that mean? — Maxim couldn’t hide his astonishment.
— Daddy, don’t shoo her away, — Sonya pleaded. — I promise to eat my apple, but where will she go? She doesn’t have a home, and it’s cold and scary outside. She was hungry and scared.
Maxim stood by the bed, staring at his daughter in confusion. She sat, gesturing animatedly, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
— Sonya, please don’t get upset. I’m not going to be angry.
He turned to the girl, who appeared a year or two older than his daughter.
— You’re Lena?
She nodded.
— My name is Maxim Andreevich. I’m Sophia’s dad.
The girl nodded again, then quietly said:
— Is it true that you’re called Sonya? What a beautiful name.
Sophia smiled.
— Actually, my name is Sophia, but Mom always called me “Sonya.” And that’s how it will remain.
— So, your mother is no longer with you? — Lena asked softly. — Mine isn’t… It’s been a long time. I don’t even remember her face.
Maxim observed their conversation. Lena sat at the edge of the bed, carefully moving aside the sheet so as not to soil it with her dirty clothes. Yes, she did look rather scruffy.
He took an apple, cut it in half, and handed each girl a piece. The girls accepted the fruit while continuing to chat. He allowed himself a smile.
— I see you two have plenty to talk about.
Sophia pleaded with her eyes:
— Daddy, let her stay. She can sleep on the little couch, and we can chat some more.
Maxim hesitated. The girl seemed nice, but he knew nothing about her. What if she posed a danger to his child?
— Alright, Lena. Sophia’s things are in the wardrobe. Find something suitable and head to the shower. Don’t come out until you look like a person. And I’ll tell the doctor that a cousin came and is staying for the night. But keep in mind: no mischief.
Sophia clapped her hands happily.
— Thank you, Daddy!
Lena dashed to the wardrobe like lightning, picked out some clothes, and hurriedly said:
— I’ll be quick!
When she disappeared behind the door, Maxim turned to his daughter.
— Kitten, how are you really? Tell me everything.
— Daddy, I was so lonely today… I felt like crying. I asked for permission to get to know the other children, but the doctor said we needed your consent. And then… Lena climbed in through the window! Can you imagine how high?
— Yes… Are you sure you want her here?
— Of course! And, please, when you leave, order us some sweet hot tea. For both of us.
Maxim raised his eyebrows in surprise, but only nodded.
After long negotiations with the doctors and additional expenses for a second VIP ward, Lena stayed. The chief doctor shook his head.
— I’m not sure this is right, but the decision is yours. Just keep in mind…
— Yes, I understand. I’ll be here for breakfast tomorrow. Sophia asked for two mugs of tea. Who’s responsible for serving them?
The doctor stared at him in astonishment.
— Two? For both of them?
— Exactly.
— Alright, I’ll take care of it. Although… perhaps there’s something more here than just a chance encounter.
— What do you mean?
— I’ll refrain from drawing conclusions for now. Let’s see how things develop. We’ll discuss it tomorrow.
Maxim felt that something unusual was happening with Sophia. But what exactly? It could be either a favorable sign or a new challenge.
That night he couldn’t settle. About ten times he almost got into the car and rushed to the hospital, but held himself back. However, at four in the morning his patience snapped — he dialed the number of the duty doctor.
— Mikhail Petrovich, I’m sorry…
— No problem. Honestly, I expected your call sooner. Everything’s fine. The girls chatted until midnight, until Irina broke them up. Now they’re sound asleep. Sophia completely ate her dinner and drank her tea without any issues. Not a single worrying moment.
— Thank you.
Maxim returned to bed and instantly fell asleep.
In the morning, the hospital had a special atmosphere — a mix of a kindergarten and a play club. The corridors were filled with the voices of little patients playing, despite their ailments. Those on crutches moved just as swiftly as those with only a head bandage.
Approaching his daughter’s ward, Maxim met Irina — a young nurse with a gentle heart. She wiped away her tears and looked at him warmly.
— You know, you’re not just a father. You’re the best father in the world. What you did for Lena… that was exactly what Sophia needed.
Maxim froze, not understanding what she meant.
“I’ll find out now,” he thought, cautiously opening the door.
The girls didn’t notice him. They sat on the bed, legs tucked in, watching a cartoon about a mouse and a cat. Each held a bowl of porridge, eating without taking their eyes off the screen. Their infectious laughter made the porridge bounce in the bowls.
Maxim couldn’t take his eyes off his daughter. Sophia ate calmly, savoring each bite, and continued to respond joyfully to what was happening on the screen.
Lena was the first to see him. She quietly nudged Sophia, pointing toward the door. Sophia turned around, and Maxim was struck by the changes. Her once dull gaze had given way to lively sparks, although she still looked too thin.
— Daddy’s here! — Sophia exclaimed.
He stepped forward and embraced both girls. Lena sniffled.
— Did that hurt?
She shook her head, and Sophia gently patted her hand.
— Don’t cry. My dad would never let you live on the street again or have to eat only what you could steal.
Maxim nodded solemnly.
Lena wiped away her tears.
— It’s not because of that… It’s just that no one has hugged me like this for a long time.
A week later, Maxim took Sophia home. In the meantime, Lena had become her shadow. The girl gained weight, played with other children, and began to enjoy life again. And Maxim, while the doctors repeatedly used the word “phenomenal” and continued the examinations, took charge of Lena’s fate.
Her story turned out to be a tragic one. Her mother had disappeared when Lena turned two. No one knew what had become of her, but her mother’s lifestyle suggested the worst. After her grandmother’s death six months ago, Lena ended up in an orphanage, where a conflict with a caregiver led to her escape. And that was her entire story.
When Maxim came to pick up his daughter, Lena was already standing with her bag packed. She hugged Sophia, then looked up at him.
— Thank you for everything. I’m leaving now. I’ll probably return to the orphanage. It’s too cold outside right now.
Maxim thoughtfully said:
— So, was it all for nothing? Did I prepare a room next to Sophia’s in vain? And was it pointless to offer you a chance to be her sister?
Sophia was the first to squeal with delight and threw herself at him, followed by a moved Lena.
As they left the hospital, all the nurses gathered to see them off. Maxim noticed Irina among them, who now frequently visited. Within six months, he could no longer imagine his life without her. Just as Sophia and Lena couldn’t be without each other.