On the outskirts of the city, in a quiet and peaceful place, there was a small establishment called “The Corner.” This place did not strive for popularity among the trendy crowd but primarily attracted locals with its homey atmosphere. For three years now, Alina had been working there.
On the eve of a new workday, the girl methodically wiped down the tables, lost in anxious thoughts about the upcoming rent payments. Her financial situation had grown increasingly difficult since her mother had passed away. She had to pick up extra hours at work, and her long-cherished dream of obtaining a higher education was gradually slipping away.
— Alina, wake up! The guests will be here soon, — came the voice of Zina, the experienced cook of advanced age.
Alina startled and headed to the kitchen. Stern yet fair, Zina always treated her warmly, providing extra food during lunches and sometimes even bringing baked goods.
— Coming, Zina Petrovna! — Alina replied, adjusting her apron.
The day dragged on: guests arrived and left the café, while she continued to perform her duties — taking orders, engaging warmly with customers, and serving food. By the end of the day, her legs reminded her of the long hours of work.
When there wasn’t much time left until closing, the door creaked, and a man in a flawless suit entered. His expensive accessories, especially his watch, spoke of considerable wealth. He chose a seat by the window, took out his phone, and began typing something quickly.
Approaching with her notepad, Alina politely inquired about his order. The man looked up, and something surprised flashed in his eyes, as if he recognized someone from his past.
— Bring me a double espresso, — he said, continuing to scrutinize the girl.
This made her a bit self-conscious. She hastily jotted down the order while still feeling his intense gaze.
When it was time to pay, Alina noticed a large banknote tucked under the receipt — she had never received such generous tips before. Trying to return the money, she only heard a gentle phrase: “Keep it; you deserve it.”
The following days passed in the same monotonous way: the man came, ordered coffee, and left generous tips. Noticing the recurring gifts from fate, Zina Petrovna asked with concern: “What does this gentleman want from you?”
— I have no idea, — Alina shrugged. — He just comes in, drinks coffee, and leaves money.
— Be careful, girl, — the cook warned. — Wealthy men don’t throw around such benefactions carelessly.
Indeed, the man made no attempt to initiate any kind of acquaintance or show any disreputable interest. He simply came, observed, and left generous sums.
One evening, he left an amount equal to Alina’s monthly earnings. Unable to contain herself, she caught up with him in the parking lot.
— Wait! — she exclaimed, holding the money in her hand. — What does all this mean?
The man turned, and in the light of the streetlamps, his face seemed tired.
— My name is Pavel Andreevich, — he said after a pause. — Let’s meet tomorrow at the café “Melody.” There, I will explain everything.
— Why? — Alina asked in surprise.
— I will explain tomorrow, — he replied, opening his car. — After work. It’s important for both of us.
She spent the whole night sleepless, pondering the possible reasons for such generosity. In the morning, she called her friend, told her about the strange man and the upcoming meeting.
— Have you lost your mind? — her friend exclaimed in alarm. — What if he’s a dangerous person?
— In that suit? — Alina smirked.
— Even worse! — her friend retorted. — Send me his address, text me his photo, and call every half hour!
After work, Alina headed to “Melody,” where Pavel Andreevich was already waiting for her at a table in the corner.
— Hello, — she began, sitting across from him. — Enough with the riddles. Explain.
Pavel Andreevich sighed, his hands noticeably trembling.
— I’ll get straight to the point… I am your father, Alina.
The girl froze, rendered speechless. She had always believed that her father had abandoned them, never having sought them out.
— This is impossible, — she finally whispered.
— Your mother – Natalia Sergeyevna? — he asked. — Was she a nurse at the hospital?
Alina nodded, feeling as if everything inside her was constricting.
— Why? — she managed to choke out. — Why did you leave us?
— I was young, foolish, and made mistakes, — the man admitted. — I was offered a career in another city. I thought I would provide for you with money… then I met another woman.
Tears streamed down Alina’s cheeks. She had always wanted to meet her father and ask him a thousand questions, but now she couldn’t find the right words.
— I tried to find you later, — Pavel Andreevich continued. — But you had moved, changed your number…
— My mother has been gone for two years, — Alina said, wiping her tears. — She didn’t say anything about you.
Pavel Andreevich lowered his eyes, his face reflecting excruciating pain.
— Is there any way to atone for my guilt? — he murmured softly.
Alina shook her head silently. Too much time had passed. So many moments had been lost…
— I just want to explain myself, — he continued, looking at his daughter with genuine remorse. — The story of our meeting is quite unexpected. One of my business partners lives near your café. It was he who mentioned you.
— And what did he say? — Alina wiped away a fresh tear.
— He said that there was a girl named Alina working there, who very much resembled your mother, — Pavel Andreevich paused. — When I saw you… you were the exact copy of Natasha.
Alina stared out the window. Outside, passersby hurried about their business, unaware of the whirlwind of emotions raging inside her.
— I couldn’t find a way to approach you for a long time, — her father confessed. — So I just observed. I left money, trying in any way to help.
— Time cannot be bought with money, — Alina almost whispered.
— I understand that, — Pavel Andreevich nodded. — But I need a chance. The past cannot be returned, but now I can be here for you.
Suddenly, Alina jumped up, causing the chair to creak. Several glances from other customers turned in their direction.
— I need time to think, — she said shortly, and hastily headed for the exit.
At home, Alina cried for a long time. For years, she had harbored hatred toward the unknown father. And now he had appeared before her, asking for forgiveness, and she didn’t know how to respond.
The telephone rang day after day. Pavel Andreevich left messages that Alina mechanically deleted without even reading. She missed work, claiming illness.
Zinaida Petrovna, worried, stopped by her home, bringing homemade baked goods.
— Tell me what happened, — the cook gently requested as she sat on the edge of the sofa and patted the girl’s hair.
Alina couldn’t hold back. All her words poured out in a torrent.
— What do I do now? — she asked, finishing her story.
— How do you feel about yourself? — Zinaida Petrovna carefully examined her face.
— Anger, hurt, confusion, — Alina clasped her knees with her hands. — And a strange feeling, as if I had found something lost long ago.
— You know, — Zinaida Petrovna sighed, — life presents us with various trials. People make mistakes. Sometimes they realize it too late.
— Do you really think he’s repentant? — Alina looked up.
— I’m not sure, — Zinaida Petrovna shook her head. — But the only way to know is to give him a chance.
After Zina Petrovna left, Alina sat by the window for a long time, gazing at the dark sky. The stars reminded her of her mother, who used to love watching them together.
The next morning, Alina picked up the phone. She dialed her father’s number.
— Let’s meet, — she said when Pavel Andreevich answered. — Today at six, at the park by the fountain.
Pavel Andreevich arrived half an hour before the appointed time. Alina noticed how he walked impatiently around the fountain, adjusting his tie and checking his watch.
— I have decided to give you a chance, — Alina said quietly as she approached unnoticed. — But that does not mean that I have forgiven you.
Her father’s face lit up with joy. He extended his hand, but then immediately lowered it, unable to bring himself to embrace his daughter. They began to walk, slowly side by side and talking. For the first time in many years.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Pavel Andreevich showed Alina his world: his business, corporate events, expensive cars.
— This is incredible, — Alina remarked after one of the restaurant visits. — Yesterday I was a simple waitress, and today I’m here with you.
— It’s time to switch to “you,” — her father said warmly with a smile.
Their relationship grew warmer. Pavel Andreevich shared stories of his life: about how he built his business, about his mistakes. Alina began to get used to the idea of having a father.
One day, Pavel Andreevich arrived with a particular look on his face.
— I have a proposal, — he began, sitting next to Alina on the sofa. — I would like to pay for your university education.
Alina froze in surprise. This was her long-held dream, but to accept such a gift…
— No, I can’t, — the girl shook her head.
— Wait, listen, — Pavel Andreevich leaned closer. — This isn’t an attempt to atone for my sins. It’s a desire to provide you with the future I should have given you long ago.
Alina thought about it. His words were sincere.
— I’ll think about it, — she answered softly.
A week later, Alina agreed. She chose the Faculty of Management. Pavel Andreevich fully paid for her education and bought an apartment closer to the university.
Studying came easily. Alina quickly mastered the material. She began working in her father’s company: first as an assistant, then as a manager. She was valued for her quick wit and diligence.
A few years later, Alina was sitting in her father’s office, discussing a new project. Pavel Andreevich looked at his daughter with pride.
— You know what I think? — he asked, leaning back in his chair. — You could become my deputy.
Alina looked up in surprise.
— Is that serious? — she asked.
— Very, — Pavel Andreevich nodded. — You are talented. You have character. And you are my daughter.
Alina looked out the window. Far below, people were hurrying somewhere. Some were rushing to a meeting, others were just strolling. Each had their own story.
— I’m no longer that girl, — Alina said quietly. — Not the waitress who counted every penny.
— You have grown stronger, — her father smiled.
— I still remember the pain, — Alina turned to him. — But I no longer live in the past.
Pavel Andreevich stood up. He approached his daughter and embraced her tightly.
— Thank you for giving me a chance, — he whispered.
— Thank you for not giving up, — Alina replied.
They stood by the window—father and daughter, reunited by fate after a long separation. Ahead of them lay work. New projects. New challenges. They were building a future together. And that was more important than anything else.