“Gena, have you really thought this through?”
“Mom…”
“I know what I’m saying. She’s only with you for the money, isn’t she?”
Gennady let out a weary sigh.
“Mom, I understand your worries, but they’re completely unfounded. Arguing with you is pointless—you won’t change your opinion anyway. Think what you want. We’re not planning anything extravagant.”
“Gena, stop it. She’s just using you, and deep down you know it. That girl—”
“Mom, please. Let’s not go down this road. Lena and I have known each other for over five years. We’ve been preparing for this step for a long time.”
“I just want to remind you—you’re a desirable groom. Any woman would want you. Don’t you see our position?”
Gennady closed his eyes, as if trying to shield himself from the weight of her words.
“Tell me honestly, Mom. What matters more to you—our social status or my happiness?”
Anna Nikolaevna turned helplessly to her husband.
“Sasha, why are you silent?”
Alexander lowered his newspaper, a faint smile on his lips.
“Anya, you always come to me only when you’ve hit a wall. For twenty-seven years you’ve made decisions alone, and whenever something went wrong, I was the one to blame.”
Anna narrowed her eyes.
“Finished? Then let’s talk seriously.”
“Gena is an adult. He can make his own choices. I don’t see why we should interfere. Personally, I think Lena is a fine girl.”
“Fine? Hardly! Nobody survives without money these days.”
“Funny,” Alexander countered, “weren’t you yourself once without wealth? Have you forgotten?”
Anna flushed, her temper rising.
“Sasha, you’re irresponsible! Our son is about to ruin his life!”
“Calm down. Nothing catastrophic is happening. He’ll continue his treatment—and maybe marriage will even do him good. What exactly are you so dissatisfied with? I don’t see the problem.”
Anna abruptly stormed out, leaving Gennady struggling to rise from his chair.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“How do you feel?”
“I’m fine, don’t worry.”
When Gena was seventeen, something strange began happening to him. The doctors never managed to pin down a diagnosis. One theory replaced another, and treatments only ever helped partially. One professor once admitted:
“It’s as if your son lost the ability to resist illnesses. A century ago, I’d have called it a curse. Today… all we can do is shrug and watch.”
Alexander had long since realized that money couldn’t fix everything, yet he spared no expense, sending his son to the best clinics. Until one day, Gena pleaded:
“Please, let me rest. I’ve forgotten what our home looks like, and I don’t remember the last time I slept in my own bed.”
Unexpectedly, Anna supported him.
“Sasha, maybe it’s time to let Gena rest? Let’s follow the doctors’ advice.”
Alexander would have objected if he’d seen even a glimmer of progress. But there was none. And at home, Gena truly improved—his appetite returned, he even put on some weight. From then on, he went for check-ups twice a year, always coming back with new instructions.
Despite the setbacks, Gena managed to finish university, thanks in large part to his father’s financial support. He was capable, but his constant absences made professors unsympathetic.
It was during his student years that he met Lena. Their friendship lasted several years before blossoming into something deeper, giving Gena a strength he hadn’t felt in years—like wings sprouting behind his back.
The wedding, contrary to his wishes, turned into a grand affair. His mother orchestrated such an event it seemed half the town had been invited. Lena smiled bravely throughout, ignoring the tense undercurrents.
The tension centered on Lena’s mother, Galina Ivanovna, and Anna Nikolaevna. They had never gotten along. Anna considered Galina, with neither money nor social standing, beneath them and expected gratitude for the marriage. Galina, however, kept her distance.
The evening reached its peak during the gift-giving. Galina presented the newlyweds with a modest country house inherited from her father. Anna couldn’t contain herself:
“My goodness! How can you call that rundown shack in the middle of nowhere a valuable gift?”
“Mom, that’s enough,” Gena interjected sharply.
“Enough? No, Gena! Now nothing can be undone!”
After Galina left, Anna hissed to her husband:
“Did you see that? She contributes nothing, yet carries herself like royalty!”
A few days later, Gena announced calmly:
“Lena and I are moving into the house Galina gave us.”
Anna nearly fainted.
“Are you insane?! This is all her doing! She wants to isolate you so you’ll wither away—and then she’ll grab the inheritance!”
“Anya, what nonsense!” Alexander frowned. “You’ve lost all reason.”
“I’m perfectly reasonable! He needs constant medical care, and you’re letting him run off into the wilderness! I won’t allow it!”
“We’ve already bought the tickets,” Gena replied quietly.
“Fine,” Anna said coldly. “If that’s how it is, don’t come running to me for help anymore. Let your new family take care of you.”
“Gena, don’t be angry with your mother—you know her temper,” Alexander interjected in a conciliatory tone. “She’ll calm down. If you ever need anything, just call me. I’ll help.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“But still… why exactly there?” Alexander pressed. “In that sense, your mother isn’t wrong—it really is a dump.”
Gena smiled faintly. “Maybe you won’t believe me, but they say there are healing springs. Lena and her mother are convinced this place will help me recover. Honestly, I’m skeptical myself… but why not try?”
“You and your skepticism,” Alexander chuckled. “Sometimes the things we can’t explain turn out to be the most effective. I wish you luck, son.”
When they arrived, Gena was stunned at the sight of the overgrown yard.
“It’s a jungle here!”
Lena only laughed. “Of course—no one’s lived here for years. Don’t worry. A little work and it will be as good as new.”
She opened the door, and inside the house turned out to be surprisingly cozy, with hardly any dust. Exhausted from the journey, Gena barely sat down on the sofa before drifting into a deep sleep.
Over the next days, Lena took on the cleaning, while Gena helped as much as his strength allowed. To his surprise, he began to feel better—his energy returned, and his appetite grew ravenous. A week later, after clearing his plate completely, he exclaimed in amazement:
“I don’t understand how, but I ate it all!”
“I told you,” Lena said with a sly smile. “This place works miracles.”
“And why are you so certain?” he asked curiously.
“When I was a child, I often came here. I saw strange, wonderful things.”
“Ah, I see—because all the local boys were chasing after you?”
“Stop it,” she laughed. “Anyway, tomorrow a surprise awaits you!”
No matter how he coaxed her, Lena refused to reveal what it was. They went to sleep wrapped in each other’s arms, happy and full of hope.
Meanwhile, back in the city, Anna Nikolaevna was restless.
“Sasha, I don’t understand how you can stay so calm! It’s been half a year since that girl dragged our son away, and you’ve done nothing!”
Alexander set aside his papers. “And what exactly do you propose? Call the police and drag him home by force? He’s married now. He has his own life.”
“Nonsense!” Anna stamped her foot. “He was supposed to be admitted to the hospital a month ago! But whenever I ask, he insists he’s fine and hangs up. How can he be fine without treatment?”
Alexander saw the truth hidden beneath her tirade—pure motherly anxiety. He spoke gently:
“If you’re that worried, let’s go visit. We’ll see for ourselves how they’re living.”
Anna paused, then brightened. “That’s a wonderful idea!”
“Then get ready. I’ll call Gena—we’ll leave tomorrow morning.”
By evening, they reached the village.
“My God, what a wreck,” Anna groaned.
Alexander, however, smiled. “I like it. Fresh air, no litter… Look—there’s a hare!”
A startled hare darted across the road.
Anna shook her head in disbelief. “It’s like a nature reserve! I wouldn’t be surprised if bears walked these streets.”
“Here we are,” Alexander said as the car stopped at the gate.
At that moment, the door swung open, and Gena appeared. Anna froze, Alexander nearly lost his breath. Standing before them was no longer the pale, sickly boy—but a healthy, strong young man.
“Mom, Dad—I’ve missed you so much!” Gena exclaimed.
They embraced for a long time. Tears streamed down Anna’s face. “Gena, how you’ve changed!”
“It’s all thanks to Lena. And… the bees. You wouldn’t believe how fascinating it all is!”
Lena stepped onto the porch, smiling shyly, and embraced his parents as well.
“Thank you, dear,” Anna whispered through tears. “You’ve done what even the best doctors could not.”
After greetings and laughter, they unpacked the car and handed over gifts. Lena warmly invited them to the table. Anna examined the dishes with nostalgia—they looked just like the hearty meals of her childhood. Meanwhile, Gena placed a bottle on the table.
“Dad, real mead—homemade.”
Alexander laughed. “You two are already acting like true hosts. You have everything here!”
Everyone tasted the mead—except Lena.
Anna noticed and frowned slightly. “What’s this? Still holding a grudge? You won’t even drink with us?”
Lena blushed. “I can’t.”
“Why? Are you ill?” Anna asked, alarmed.
Gena grinned. “Not at all. We’re having a baby. So, Mom, get ready—you’re going to be a grandmother!”
Anna burst into tears of joy, hugging them both again and again. Then, unexpectedly, she announced:
“That’s it. I’m staying here for a couple of weeks. I’ll buy everything you need and help you get settled. Sasha, remember that car you promised me? Time to buy it—and a big one, so we can bring everything for our grandchild! And Lena, of course you’ll give birth in the city—in the best clinic!”
Her flurry of plans sent everyone into laughter. Embarrassed, Anna muttered:
“Well, I just want what’s best!”
Lena embraced her gently. “And I’ll listen to you. Gena doesn’t know anything about these matters, and honestly—I’m a little scared.”
Anna stroked her cheek tenderly. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll always be there for you.”