How dare you speak like that, Galina Evgenievna?” the voice quivered, betraying agitation. “Tanya, please explain, why such a tone?” “Mom, what tone do you think should it be? I’m not vacationing on some azure shore; I’m working day and night to achieve something! And you? Where have you been all these years?” “No need to start a scandal now,” Andrei Mikhailovich interjected, apparently on the same end of the call. “We might not have written often, but we were sure you were fine. Besides, Vyacheslav needs help…” “Of course, Vyacheslav, as always! And for you, I’m just a source of money when you call: ‘Hello, it’s been a while, can you spare some cash?'” “Don’t twist our words,” the father replied calmly. “Tanya, we’re family, not strangers…” “Family? Seriously?” she interrupted. “Where were you for eight years? Why do I only matter to you now?”
Tanya abruptly ended the conversation. She stared at the dark phone screen, feeling the heat rise to her head, her heart pounding loudly and rapidly.
Eighteen years ago, packing a small bag and buying a ticket to a third-class sleeper train to Novosibirsk, Tanya took the first serious step in her life. The money she earned from odd jobs barely covered the fare. At that time, her parents were busy preparing her brother for a prestigious program where he was once again supposed to shine with his talents. Aunt Nadya, seeing her off, allowed herself to taunt about her “crooked teeth” and “unfortunate nose.” These words always hurt like sharp needles.
Since childhood, Tanya felt like she was in the shadow of her older brother. Vyacheslav was the star of the family: an athlete, musician, and excellent student. Her parents were proud of each of his achievements, telling everyone, “Look how talented he is!” And Tanya, with her big eyes and imperfect smile, was just an extra element in their joyful picture.
“Don’t get underfoot,” her mother often reminded her. “Better help with something useful,” her father would add.
She tried to please, but always felt a cold disregard: “Another genius from our family? No, that’s impossible.”
At fifteen, she accidentally watched a program about genetic engineering of plants. The screen completely captivated her: bright experiments, modern laboratories, scientific discoveries. It became her guiding star. But her parents did not approve of her choice. Their attention was entirely focused on her brother’s victories: a chess tournament here, an olympiad there. The unsuccessful sister interested no one. Aunt Nadya continued to mock: “Why do you need these flowers? A lawyer or financier—that’s the future. Your research is just a hobby.”
Tanya dreamed of leaving, to no longer hear these taunts. After school, she made a decision: enough. The train wheels clacked, sending her to a new city. University dormitory, new acquaintances. In the first six months, she sent just two short messages home—about successful exams. The response was succinct: “Well done. Take care.” After that, communication naturally faded.
At the university, Tanya chose the field of genetics and began researching crop resistance to diseases, combining studies with work as a lab assistant. After defending her thesis, she stayed on for postgraduate work, where she achieved significant results. Her experimental projects on plant DNA modification attracted the attention of the scientific community. One day, she was invited to a national channel to talk about the life of a young scientist. This brought her popularity, a generous grant, and a new spacious laboratory for research.
“Tanya, you really did great!” Olesya exclaimed, meeting her friend after returning from the TV studio. Her face glowed with sincere admiration. “It’s incredible!” “I still can’t believe it myself,” Tanya laughed, still impressed by what had happened. “They hinted that if everything goes according to plan, we could start large-scale trials. And then… who knows, maybe my developments will be useful not just in Russia.” “Just don’t forget us, okay?” Olesya smiled, winking good-naturedly. “Where would I go,” Tanya snorted, wrinkling her nose. “After all, since childhood, I was taught that I’m just a pale shadow of my older brother. What kind of star could I be?”
A few days after the interview, Tanya’s phone literally exploded with calls from unknown numbers, including some from Moscow. Her mother was one of the first to call.
“Tanya, hello! It’s Mom,” Galina Evgenievna’s voice sounded a bit tense but joyful. “I heard you’re now a superstar! We saw you on TV, can you imagine?” “Hello, Mom. Yes, there was an interview,” Tanya cautiously replied. “And how are things in general? Slavik has really gone wild, to be honest,” Galina Evgenievna suddenly switched topics. “I don’t know what to do with him. Maybe you could find time to come and talk to him? You have a different status now, you’re grown up and successful.” “Mom, work comes first for me,” Tanya gently but firmly objected. “Of course, of course,” her mother quickly agreed. “But you could find a little time for the family. You’re so famous now, maybe you could help Vyacheslav. He’s been kind of withdrawn lately.” “I understand,” Tanya calmly stated. “But I’m not planning to move to Moscow just yet.” “Well, see for yourself,” Galina Evgenievna added conciliatorily. “We all miss you very much. Your father especially feels bad without you. His health, you know… And Aunt Nadya keeps asking about you.”
Tanya briefly said goodbye, without telling her mother about her feelings: the hurt, surprise, and conflicting thoughts swirling in her head. Eight years of silence, and now sudden interest in her life.
The next day, Aunt Nadya called, using video call: “Tanyushka, hello! Imagine, I saw you on TV! Such beautiful experimental fields they showed, all so scientific and serious!” “Hello, Aunt Nadya,” Tanya smiled. “No need to be so formal,” the woman waved her hand. “I think you did right by leaving. It’s clear you had more luck in Novosibirsk than at home. Though we thought otherwise back then… Well, it’s not important now. The main thing is that you managed! By the way, noticed you straightened your teeth? You look beautiful!”
“I had to,” Tanya smiled, but inside she winced again at memories of past barbs.
“You know, come visit us sometime. Now that you’re doing well financially, it should be easier. Mom and I were discussing your successes, and she says your career is really taking off. But Slavik just can’t find himself… We and Galina Evgenievna are getting old and were hoping he could support us, but…”
“I understand,” Tanya repeated, feeling her patience wearing thin. “I need to run, Aunt. Goodbye.”
After that conversation, she slumped to the floor, leaning against the wall. Inside, a tumult of conflicting emotions boiled. Eight long years without a single call, without a single question about how she was living, whether she had enough money, or needed help. And now suddenly such an outpour of attention, solely for their “problems.”
A week later, her father called: “Tanya, hello. It’s Dad.” “Hello, Dad,” she cautiously replied. “I wanted to talk. Maybe you could find the opportunity to come for a couple of days? We have some issues, and… we were all pleasantly surprised by your achievements. Very happy for you. But Vyacheslav is in a tough situation right now, and your help would be very timely.”
“My help? What exactly is needed from me?” Tanya cautiously asked. “Well, you’re so famous now, maybe you know someone influential? Just suggest where he could turn to. Slavik isn’t stupid, just a bit lost in life,” the father continued. “Dad…” she chuckled bitterly. “I don’t even know where to start answering.”
The avalanche of requests and hints at her duty to solve others’ problems was becoming heavier. The hurt boiled inside, and memories of the past only intensified the unpleasant emotions. She tried to stay calm, but her patience was near its limit.
The next day, her mother called again while Tanya was working in the laboratory. Olesya gestured: “Answer, or they’ll completely wear you out!” With a deep sigh, she turned on the speakerphone.
“Mom, I’m busy. Speak quickly, please.” “Tanyusha, dear, there’s a problem…” Galina Evgenievna began, and her tone immediately betrayed her anxiety. “Vyacheslav has again delayed the rent payment, and we can’t help right now. All our money goes to treatment, and prices are rising… Maybe you could somehow…”
“Mom,” Tanya interrupted, leaning on the edge of the table, “am I correct in understanding that for you, I’m now not just a daughter, but a universal ATM or a lifebuoy?”
“How can you say that, Tanyusha! We’re your parents,” her mother’s voice trembled. “Parents,” she repeated, pausing. “And you really think I should care about your troubles after eight years when no one even remembered me?”
“You’re being unfair, girl,” Galina Evgenievna responded, trying to control her emotions. “You decided to leave on your own!”
“Yes, I left. And I’ve never regretted it. Back then, you didn’t think about me, seeing me only as a failure who would always be in her brother’s shadow.”
“Why so, Tanya…”
“Mom, let’s be honest with each other. You’ve always considered me nobody, and nothing has changed. For you, I’m still nobody. Please don’t call again. Goodbye.”
Tanya abruptly ended the call. A tense silence hung in the laboratory. Colleagues, having heard the end of the conversation, awkwardly turned away, trying not to interfere in family matters. Olesya, sitting nearby, cautiously leaned toward her:
“Maybe you’re being too harsh… after all, they’re your parents…”
“Olesya, no. It’s been broken a long time ago. There’s no going back now.”
She pretended to continue working with the test tubes, though her hands were still slightly trembling. But inside, there was no room left for doubt or the desire to justify herself. She had come a long way from the little girl no one noticed to a successful scientist who had found her place in the world. Now her voice sounded firm and confident. Those who once ignored her existence had to accept the fact that she wouldn’t take on their problems.
The phone vibrated again, signaling new missed calls—from her aunt, father, mother. But Tanya didn’t even look at the screen. For her, everything was crystal clear: no “family” ties, which had awakened only now, could compare with her own life, scientific career, and those people in Novosibirsk who had always been there for her.