In the Evstafyev mansion, work was in full swing: Anatoly and the nanny Ulyana were decorating the room, hanging balloons, and setting the festive table. An important day was approaching—the sixth birthday of Ilya’s only son. However, the birthday boy himself showed no joy. He sat in his wheelchair, staring at a fixed point, dispassionately watching the preparations.
His father cast gloomy looks his way, trying to cheer him up:
— Ilyusha, look how beautiful it is! Grandma and grandpa will be arriving soon, along with Uncle Vadim and Aunt Mila, bringing gifts! What is it that you want most of all? I will grant any of your wishes, just smile!
Suddenly, the boy brightened; his eyes lit up, and he quietly said:
— I want to see my mom more than anything… I miss her so much. And I also want other children to play with me. And I want my legs to work again. I need nothing more…
Anatoly could barely hold back his tears. Approaching his son, he hugged him and said:
— Son, you know your mom is in heaven. She loves you and is sad when you are unhappy. You will definitely be able to stand on your feet, I promise. We’ll play in the yard like before. And as for friends… I’ll think of something!
Ilya sighed, fell silent, and turned toward the window. His eyes went dark again. Anatoly’s heart was breaking with pain. A year had passed since that accident that changed their lives, yet his son still had not recovered. The father did not know what to do and sometimes felt helpless. After all, things used to be different!
Tolik had grown up in a well-to-do family of businessmen. His parents always set high standards: a school with a focus on mathematics, extracurricular clubs, pocket money, expensive gadgets, and fashionable clothes. But his father was strict, instilling a sense of responsibility. When Tolik studied at university and began dating girls, his mother scrutinized each one attentively. However, the fiancée he chose surprisingly pleased his parents. Tamara came from a family of professors, modest and well-mannered. Their love was deep and genuine.
When Toma became pregnant, the couple’s happiness knew no bounds. The pregnancy went smoothly, and the birth was without complications. Ilyusha grew up a healthy child who learned to walk early. Anatoly inherited the family business—a small confectionery factory. Their products were expensive but natural and exceptionally high quality, so they were in huge demand. Tamara actively helped her husband, often traveling to meetings with experts and creating new recipes.
Even after becoming a mother, she continued to work. Ilyusha grew up a calm child, often accompanying his mom to the production, where he enjoyed watching the sweet-making process.
But then tragedy struck. One day, Toma had to leave for work for a short time to check on an important order—a huge wedding cake. She was an excellent driver, and Tolik had never been worried. Toma secured her son in the child seat, following all the rules. On a turn, the road turned icy, the car skidded, and it crashed into a pole. The airbags did not deploy, and Toma died on the spot. Ilyusha was saved by the child seat, but he witnessed his mother’s death. After that, the boy became withdrawn, stopped speaking, and would scream at night. The worst part was that his legs failed him.
For six months, Anatoly took his son to various doctors, but the diagnosis remained the same: physically Ilyusha was healthy; his problems were caused by severe psychological trauma. Progress was minimal: the boy began to speak, stopped being afraid of cars, and stopped screaming at night, yet he still did not walk.
Now, on his birthday, Ilyusha was sad, holding a teddy bear that his mother had given him. He talked to the toy as if it were his mother, hugged it, and cried. He missed her warmth, tenderness, and love.
Anatoly went to the supermarket to buy drinks and food for the celebration, then to pick up his parents. Outside, a blizzard raged, and visibility was almost zero. Leaving the store, he noticed a woman with a child on the stoop. She appeared to be about thirty years old, dressed poorly but neatly. The little girl shivered from the cold in an old fur coat and a patterned cap.
Feeling pity for them, Anatoly took out a large banknote and approached:
— Hello, you’re freezing. Take this, have something to eat. Come inside to warm up. Why are you out in this blizzard? Buses are barely running right now.
The woman looked at him gratefully:
— Thank you. My name is Natasha, and this is Masha. We live outside the city, we missed the bus, and we were warming up in the store until the security guard asked us to leave.
Anatoly hesitated for a moment, then decided:
— You know what? I’m inviting you to my son’s birthday. He’s six years old. I know this is unexpected, but we don’t know each other at all. Consider it my request. My son is ill; hardly any children visit him. Your daughter can play with him, and you can warm up and rest. The intercom code is three, five, seven. The nanny will meet you—I’ll call her. I’ll call a taxi for you now.
Natasha accepted the unexpected offer with joy:
— Thank you so much, Anatoly! My legs are almost frozen from the cold, and my daughter is shivering. And the bus just isn’t coming! You’re just saving us! Don’t worry, we won’t be long: we’ll congratulate your son, warm up, and then leave.
The little girl excitedly babbled:
— We’re going to the boy’s? Yes? We’ll play? What will we give him as a present?
Natasha suddenly brightened:
— Exactly! It’s not proper to show up to a birthday without a gift. I’ll quickly buy something—maybe a little car or a pencil set album.
Anatoly tried to dissuade her, explaining that Ilyusha already had plenty of toys, but the woman was adamant. She chose an inexpensive glowing snowflake ball whose little snowflakes danced beautifully to a melody when turned over. Pleased with her purchase, she agreed to go to the celebration.
Anatoly called a taxi for Natasha and Masha, deciding not to overthink how he had come to such a decision. Then he went to pick up his parents. His mother, as always, took a long time getting ready—changing her fur coat twice and fixing her hair. In the end, the journey took over an hour due to the blizzard. Anatoly decided not to mention the new guests to his parents, understanding that the idea of inviting strangers home would not please his mother. Galina Petrovna always regarded new people with suspicion, preferring proven acquaintances.
When they entered the house, the celebration was in full swing. A clown was actively entertaining the guests, conducting contests and handing out prizes for correct answers. But the birthday boy’s attention was completely absorbed by Masha—the very girl from the street. They played on the floor, engaged in their own games, completely oblivious to what was happening around. Natasha sat modestly at the table, watching the merriment. Against the backdrop of lavishly dressed guests, she stood out: an old turtleneck sweater, faded jeans, her hair tied in a simple ponytail. Yet even in this modest attire and without makeup, she looked attractive—blue eyes, porcelain skin, and lovely features did their work. Her daughter, on the other hand, was a dark-haired brunette with brown eyes, more resembling a gypsy. Masha was lively, cheerful, and sociable, constantly talking to Ilyusha, who eagerly joined the conversation. Anatoly couldn’t be happier: he hadn’t seen his son this happy in a long time.
The parents congratulated their grandson, giving him expensive gifts: a remote-controlled electric car and a modern encyclopedia with colorful illustrations. Ilyusha thanked them, then returned to playing with Masha. Anatoly introduced Natasha:
— Mom, Dad, meet Natalia. We met by chance today, and I invited her and her daughter to the celebration. Look at how happy Ilyusha is! For him, playing with Masha is the best gift. He hardly even notices the clown.
Galina Petrovna did not hide her displeasure and directly scolded her son in front of the guest:
— Tolik, it’s extremely thoughtless to invite barely acquainted people, and of dubious appearance at that! What if they are scammers? How will the influence of this “street rabble” affect our grandson? You’re too trusting!
Natasha blushed, feeling embarrassed, and was already about to ask to go home. The guests also shot her sidelong glances, avoiding conversation. But Anatoly immediately interjected:
— Mom, I’m an adult and decide who to invite into my home. Today is my son’s celebration, and I won’t let anyone spoil it. Natalia and Masha are my guests, and I ask you to treat them with respect. Let’s try the signature meat and cheese pie; the chef did his best. And your favorite cake has been ordered!
Galina Petrovna pursed her lips but stopped her attempts to humiliate Natasha. She didn’t start a scandal so as not to upset her grandson. However, she continued to glance disapprovingly at the uninvited guest all evening, especially when Natasha smiled at her son. She decided to speak with Tolik later to find out where he had found this “pauper.” Clearly, her son suffered from loneliness, but that was no reason to bring home a “riffraff.”
When the guests began to leave and the parents departed by taxi, only Natasha and Masha remained. The woman timidly said:
— It’s late already, we should go home. Thank you for everything, Anatoly! I’ve never been to such a celebration—the whole thing was wonderful!
And then Ilyusha addressed his father:
— Dad, can Masha and her mom stay the night here? We’re now best friends! I’m having so much fun! Please! Today is my birthday, so I can make any wish!
Anatoly looked at Natasha, who clearly was embarrassed, and offered:
— Yes, really, why do you need to travel at night? The blizzard isn’t letting up. Stay. In the children’s room there are two beds; the kids can sleep together, and I’ll set up a room for you. You won’t impose on us at all.
Natasha smiled:
— Alright, we won’t disappoint the birthday boy. We’ll stay, but on one condition: I’ll help clean up, wash the dishes, and tidy up. That’s the least I can do!
Anatoly was pleased, laid out beds for his guests, and prepared towels and bathrobes. Watching how efficiently Natasha managed the dishes and tidied up, he noted her housekeeping skills. The children were bathed and put to sleep—they fell asleep instantly, even without a bedtime story. Anatoly soon fell asleep too, exhausted from the long day.
The next morning he was awakened by a ringtone from the children’s room. Remembering the guests, he jumped up, but there was no one in the house. Only a note lay on the kitchen table:
— Thank you for the celebration! We enjoyed everything very much!
The owner of the house was somewhat saddened, and his son grew despondent. But what could be done—people have their own lives. A week passed unnoticed. Every evening Anatoly noticed Ilyusha busily messaging someone on the phone, often smiling as he received smiley faces and photos. The surprised father asked several times:
— Son, have you made friends? Who are you messaging with?
But the child immediately hid the device and replied mysteriously:
— Yes, Dad, I have friends now. But it’s a secret!
Moreover, the little one often took the glowing ball gifted on his birthday, turned on some music, and thoughtfully watched the falling snowflakes, as if lost in his own thoughts.
One evening, while father and son were having dinner, Anatoly accidentally saw a report on criminal news. The announcer said:
— In one of the residential areas of the capital, a tragedy occurred: the famous businessman Krasnovs died in one night after their anniversary. The presumed cause – alcohol poisoning. Their three-year-old daughter Maria Krasnova has vanished without a trace. The investigation is trying to determine the circumstances of this mysterious case, and the police are searching for the child.
Anatoly’s breath caught. On the screen, a photo of Masha was shown—the very girl who had recently been their guest! Ilyusha also cried out:
— Dad, look! That’s Masha! They’re showing her on TV!
Anatoly was stunned:
— I don’t know, son, I hope not. Listen, are you by any chance in touch with Natasha? Tell the truth, please! I need to find her. Perhaps she and Masha need help? They left so suddenly, we didn’t even say goodbye; I don’t know their address or phone number.
Ilyusha showed his father the conversation, and Anatoly immediately noticed details that could help. In one of the photos, Masha stood next to a huge snowman, and at the corner of the house was a sign reading “Moloknaya Street, House 5.” Using the internet, he quickly determined that such an address was in the village of Sinitsyno, and he decided to go there to find out the truth.
Anatoly left his son with the nanny and drove. The roads were buried in snow, but he managed to reach the place. The required house was on the outskirts of the village. However, approaching directly was impossible due to snowdrifts, so he had to leave his car at the beginning of the street. The house looked old but well maintained: the path was cleared, and smoke curled from the chimney. So the owners were home.
The man knocked. In the yard, an old dog barked loudly, and a shadow flickered past the window. But no one opened the door for long. Anatoly knocked again, deciding that he wouldn’t leave until he learned the truth. Soon the door opened slightly, and a frightened Natasha appeared on the doorstep. She glanced around as if fearing something, but with a gesture, she invited him inside. The house was warm, and Masha was playing with a doll on her playmat. Seeing the guest, she happily waved her hand.
Natasha began to speak nervously:
— How did you find us? Did Ilyusha tell you? Oh, I shouldn’t have been messaging him… I only wanted to support the boy so he wouldn’t be lonely, and then… problems began.
Anatoly decided to get straight to the point:
— Natasha, why did you steal someone else’s child? I know everything. The news reported the death of the Krasnovs. They showed Masha up close; the police are looking for her. Tell me the truth. Perhaps I can help. You won’t be able to hide here for long—someone among the neighbors will recognize the girl and inform the police.
The woman began to cry, her hands trembling:
— Come to the kitchen, so Masha won’t hear.
At the table, she began her story:
— Masha is my daughter. I gave birth to her three years ago.
Anatoly shook his head in disbelief:
— You’re lying. Masha doesn’t look like you at all. If you don’t tell the truth, I will call the police. What do you want with this child? What are you planning?
Natasha clutched his hands:
— Please, don’t call the police, I beg you! They’ll send her to an orphanage! I’ll tell you everything. I’ll start from the very beginning so you understand. This house is mine; I was born and raised here. My mother worked as a cattlewoman, and my father was a hero. He served in hot spots—in Afghanistan and Chechnya, receiving many awards. Our dog, Mukhtar, who lives in the yard, was his friend from the front. Once, my father saved him—a little puppy—from being put down. The dog turned out to be incredibly smart, better than many purebreds. He saved people from under the rubble. Now Mukhtar is old and nearly blind, but he’s still loyal to us.
When my father died, I was finishing school. It was a terrible blow for our family. Without him, things became difficult financially; my mother’s salary was barely enough. After school, I left for the capital to earn money. My mother always thought the city was dangerous and wanted to marry me off to the son of a local tractor driver, but I ran away.
I got a job as a maid for the Krasnovs through an acquaintance. They turned out to be good people; they paid well. I worked hard and was satisfied with the job. Once a month, I would go home to help my mother.
Then a new tragedy occurred—my mother fell gravely ill. I couldn’t understand the cause of her weakness for a long time until I took her to a clinic in the capital. The diagnosis was serious: an enormous amount of money was needed for treatment. My mother and I understood that we would never be able to gather such a sum. That’s when I promised myself that I would save her at any cost.
The owners learned about my situation. Nadezhda, Krasnov’s wife, offered me the opportunity to become a surrogate mother. They had problems conceiving. At first, I refused—the thought of giving away a child seemed unbearable. But as my mother’s condition worsened, I agreed. I had no choice.
I was lucky—I became pregnant right away. The wife of the owner had a fake pregnancy, supposedly monitored by bribed doctors. And I spent all nine months hiding from everyone, so that no one would suspect anything. The birth took place at home—the businessman organized everything. As soon as I gave birth, the baby girl was taken immediately, not even allowing me to feed her. My insides were torn with pain and bitterness. You cannot imagine what it is like—to carry a child, feel every movement, and then give the child away to other people. It is unbearable.
They paid me honestly, without deceit, and then fired me immediately, taking a receipt that I would never try to find the child or interfere in the lives of the couple. The girl was registered as theirs, as if she were born from Nadezhda. So officially, I meant nothing to Masha.
I returned to the village completely shattered. My eyes were always on the verge of tears. It was as if I had been pulled out of my life like a fish from water and thrown onto the shore. But there was no time to wallow—the next battle was ahead: for my mother’s life. The money was more than enough for treatment. My mother was admitted to the hospital, and we fought for a whole year. The surgery showed improvement, but her body couldn’t withstand another round of chemotherapy. She died in my arms. Just before she passed, I confessed where the money had come from. She wept for a long time and said:
— It’s a sin, daughter, a great sin… A child should be with the mother who gave birth to it. My poor girl, you ruined your life because of me… And it’s all in vain…
These words haunted me. The pain of loss, loneliness, and melancholy—they all mixed together. I kept dreaming of the birth and my little girl. I thought about what she had become, how she was living. And then, about a week ago, it was as if a demon possessed me. I decided to go to the Krasnovs’ house, ready to beg them even for a minute to let me see my daughter.
I waited a long time outside the apartment until suddenly the door gave way—it wasn’t locked. I entered, my heart sensing impending doom. In the bedroom lay the deceased couple, blue and cold. And in the wardrobe sat a frightened Masha, crying. I no longer recognized myself—I grabbed her, wrapped her in a blanket, and ran away. At the train station, I took a taxi and drove her to the village. There, I found some old childhood belongings, and we began to live together. Strangely, perhaps due to shock, Masha accepted me without hysterics. She calls me Aunt Natasha, and I say that I’m a friend of her mom. Yes, I understand that I acted terribly. I should have called the police instead of taking the child. But then I would surely have been accused of murder, and the daughter sent to an orphanage! Is that any better? I don’t know what to do next—I’m completely confused. But one thing is clear—I won’t give Masha to anyone! Even if I have to die! I carried her under my heart; she is my daughter and that businessman’s child. After all, his wife never managed to get any eggs.
Anatoly clutched his head:
— You’ve really made a mess, Natasha! One can understand you in a human way. But the situation is complicated and dangerous. The police are unlikely to sort this out—you were the last one to see the deceased. Your fingerprints have most likely already been taken. On paper, Masha is their daughter, and you stole her! How to prove the opposite is a huge question. And you have a motive for murder. It’s a deadlock!
Before he could finish, someone broke a window, and two thugs burst into the house!
Natasha screamed:
— Is it you who brought the police? I won’t give Masha up! Sweetie, come to me, in my arms!
The little girl, frightened, immediately climbed onto Natasha and hugged her tightly.
One of the thugs shouted:
— There she is, the heiress! Grab her and bring her here! We don’t need her alive! And the old woman can be disposed of!
Anatoly stepped in to protect the woman and the child. The thugs shouted:
— Who are you? Don’t interfere if you value your life!
But the man couldn’t abandon them in trouble and lunged at the thugs, using his self-defense skills.
A fight broke out. Anatoly fought desperately. Taking advantage of the moment, Natasha ran out into the yard, untied the dog, and shouted:
— Mukhtar! Attack! Save your owner!
The dog dashed into the house and began attacking the assailants. One of the thugs pulled out a knife, injuring Anatoly, and shouted:
— Get that mutt away! It bit my leg!
The neighbors stirred up a commotion and called the local policeman. Three men with pitchforks also joined the fight—neighbors in the village always help each other.
Soon, a policeman arrived in a UAZ. All the participants were detained, including Natasha. Anatoly was taken to the hospital, and Masha was temporarily sent to an orphanage. The little girl cried, clinging to Natasha:
— Aunt Natasha, don’t leave me! I’m scared!
The woman also cried, thinking she was saying goodbye to her daughter forever. She whispered:
— Masha, know that your mom loves you more than anything in the world…
Anatoly felt worse and managed to call the nanny:
— Ulyana, things are bad. They’re taking me to the third city hospital. Please stay with Ilyusha!
Ulyana grew worried, gathered the man’s things and documents. Ilyusha became anxious:
— Nanny, what happened? Was it Dad who called? Why isn’t he here? I’m scared!
The woman held the boy close:
— Ilyusha, don’t worry. Dad is sick; they took him to the hospital. We’ll go see him now. Do you want to stay at grandma’s for a while?
The boy stubbornly shook his head:
— No, first I want to go to Dad! I want to see him! He won’t die, will he?
Ulyana comforted the child, though she herself was on the verge of tears. They waited in the hospital corridor for a long time until a doctor came out:
— Don’t worry, everything will be fine. The wound has been stitched up; his life is not in danger.
Ilyusha softly pleaded:
— May I see him? Please…
The doctor allowed it. Ulyana took the boy into the ward. Anatoly lay pale, with his arm and shoulder bandaged. Suddenly, Ilyusha jumped out of his wheelchair and, unsteadily, went to his father, throwing himself onto his chest:
— Dad! I was so scared! Don’t leave for so long again!
Anatoly froze, not believing his eyes:
— Son! You’re up?! Walk a bit more, make me happy!
Ilyusha slowly walked around the ward, then ran off joyfully shouting:
— Daddy! I’m walking again, just like before! Now I can run with the kids and play ball!
Ulyana began to pray and cried aloud. She knew how many years Anatoly had spent worrying over his son’s illness, how much effort he put in so that Ilyusha could be healthy again. The woman sobbed: — Lord, our prayers have reached you! Ilyusha is walking on his own! What a joy!
Anatoly gradually recovered. Every day, his son and the nanny visited him. But the conversation with his parents turned out to be difficult. After learning about what had happened from Ulyana, they immediately rushed to the hospital. His mother kissed her son and lamented: — Lord, Tolik! How could this happen? It seems we have no enemies in our company, and these are not the nineties anymore! Have the competitors stooped to such baseness? It must have been a stabbing! I hope you reported it to the police?
Tolik sighed: — My work has nothing to do with this… I’ll explain everything now, but I doubt you’ll like it.
When Klavdiya Semyonovna learned what had happened and who was responsible for her son’s injury, she was indignant: — Didn’t I tell you? I warned you! These street acquaintances never lead to anything good. Why do you need someone else’s problems? Tell me! If they took Natasha to the police, then there must have been a reason! What if she killed those businessmen? Don’t get involved—you’re already in deep trouble!
But then Anatoly couldn’t hold back: — Mom, how can you say that? You were taught since childhood to help people in trouble! I trust Natasha and will definitely help her, whether you like it or not! You don’t know her at all, yet you’re already accusing her of murder! Imagine: if you hadn’t been able to see me for years, wouldn’t you have done everything to know how I live? As a woman, you should understand her. Yes, Natasha made mistakes, but only because she missed her daughter so much. I can’t imagine what would have happened to me if I hadn’t had Ilyusha by my side! Children are the meaning of our lives, and for them, we are capable of any madness.
Then his father intervened to support his son: — I’m on your side, son, and proud of you. You weren’t afraid of the thugs and protected the woman with the child. That is truly admirable. From your words, I sense that you care for Natasha. Listen to your heart and do what you think is right. The main thing is for you to get well soon—we were all very scared for you!
Anatoly thanked his father for the support, which was especially important to him at that moment. He tried to calm his mother, assuring her that the worst was over and that the police would sort everything out, punishing the guilty. Nothing more threatened him.
Klavdiya Semyonovna embraced her son goodbye, but inside she grew even more to despise that “pauper” who, in her opinion, had fallen upon their family and brought nothing but troubles. The only thing that made her happy was that her grandson had managed to walk!
Anatoly decided to help Natasha get out of the trap into which she had gotten herself through her own carelessness at any cost. But doing it alone was impossible, so he hired the best lawyer in the city—Efim Abramovich. He had hundreds of successfully closed complex cases under his belt. He began gathering information bit by bit. To prove the relationship between Natasha and Masha, a genetic test was conducted, which confirmed that they really were mother and daughter. That was already a huge step forward.
Efim Abramovich, with incredible thoroughness, interrogated everyone who had taken part in that ill-fated banquet after which the Krasnov couple died. Many recalled that it was Igor Lukin who had brought that very cognac that the deceased had drunk. Other guests preferred wine or champagne. The lawyer insisted on searching Igor’s house, where they discovered a substance capable of causing respiratory paralysis in large doses. Finding the trace, Efim Abramovich achieved a second autopsy. His experts found traces of that very substance in the Krasnovs’ bodies.
It turned out that the cousin of Oleg had planned to kill the entire family in order to inherit the fortune. However, little Masha got in his way. At first, he didn’t dare to get rid of her immediately, planning to obtain custody, and then finish what he had started. But everything did not go according to his plan: the girl disappeared!
With such facts in hand, the investigation put pressure on Igor Lukin. Realizing that he couldn’t talk his way out of it anymore, he completely confessed: — Our fathers were brothers, but there was always a gulf between them. One became rich, and my father remained poor! I hated Oleg since childhood, envied him. He got everything on a silver platter—a prestigious education, a business, a beautiful wife, a child. And me? I begged to join his company, but he refused, saying that working with relatives was too costly. He always lectured me about life, but I didn’t need his advice at all! I didn’t want to be just an ordinary manager. And then I lost big in cards—threats were made if I didn’t return the debt. So I devised a plan to solve all my problems in one stroke! And everything would have worked if not for that fool who took the girl from right under our noses, and her protector! Who even do they think they are?
The investigator was stunned by Igor’s cruelty—killing his brother and his wife without a trace of remorse! He asked: — Don’t you feel any pity for your brother and his wife, whom you killed? You even planned against a child! Is all this really for money?
Igor sneered: — What do you understand? If it weren’t for that fool, I would have been rich in a year! I don’t care about the cost!
The investigator shook his head: — Who am I to talk about conscience? Well, in prison they’ll quickly teach you to repent. You deserve to go there!
Finally, Natasha was released. Anatoly waited for her at the prison gates. The woman looked haggard and lost. Seeing him, she ran toward him: — Thank you for coming! I’m in such a fog, there’s so much happening… You can’t imagine how terrifying it is. I had already lost hope. At first, the investigator pressed me to confess to murder. But I decided: I’d rather rot here than take on someone else’s sin!
She sobbed and continued: — I miss my daughter so much! How is Masha in the orphanage? Poor little one has been through so much: first the death of her parents, then getting used to me, and now they’ve taken her away. Why must she endure such trials? How can I explain to her that I am her mother? And if she gets adopted? Then I’ll never find her again…
Natasha broke down in tears. Anatoly tried to comfort her, gently stroking her frail shoulders: — Everything will work out. You’re free now; there are no charges. The genetic test confirmed that Masha is your daughter. Now all that’s left is to formalize your rights as her mother and prove that she is the legal heir of the Krasnovs. Let’s go to my home. Ilyusha will be happy. You’ll rest and recover, and then we’ll visit Masha in the orphanage. You shouldn’t remain alone in the village, especially with broken windows. And you know what? Let’s drop the formalities and use “you” informally. After everything we’ve been through together, it’s strange to keep calling each other “sir” and “madam.”
The woman brightened: — Tolik, I completely forgot to mention the most important thing! Thank you so much for saving me and my daughter! If it weren’t for you, they would have definitely taken Masha, and they might even have killed me. Oh, how I dragged you into this mess! You were living peacefully, and then suddenly I, with all my problems, fell into your lap!
Anatoly smiled: — Everything in life has its meaning. If it weren’t for your problems, and for my injury, Ilyusha might never have been able to walk again. Now he walks on his own! Can you imagine? That cursed wheelchair is finally gone. And you know what? I really like you, Natasha. After my wife’s death, I thought I would never be able to love another woman. And when I look at you, I’m in awe.
They went to Anatoly’s mansion. Mukhtar happily ran up to his owner, licked her face, and barked cheerfully. The woman cried, kissing his wet nose: — Mukhtar, you’re alive! Thank God! I’m so glad to see you! Thank you, Tolya, for taking him in! I had almost lost hope of ever seeing him again. He served us so faithfully for years! He saved Dad during the war, and now he’s saved me!
The man replied: — How could I allow such a devoted dog to perish? He was injured too, but the doctors saved him. I ordered for him to be brought here. What use is he in the village alone? Don’t worry, he’s well here. Ilyusha is crazy about him.
Ilyusha was delighted with the guest. Now he ran and jumped, talking excitedly about everything. He especially kept asking about Masha—when would she arrive, where is she now? Natasha burst into tears again: — Soon! I will definitely bring her from the orphanage and never let her go again!
Natasha happily took a hot shower, had dinner, and played with Ilyusha. It was late already; it was time to go to sleep. But at night, the same nightmare that had haunted her for three years returned. She felt pain, screamed, and then—an emptiness inside, as if relieved. She heard the cry of a newborn, wanted to lift her head to see her little girl, to hug her, but the child was carried away immediately. Her chest ached from the milk, and her eyes swelled with tears. Natasha screamed in her sleep: — No! No! Baby girl!
Anatoly heard the cry from his bedroom. Fearing she needed help, he quietly entered the guest room. Natasha was tossing about on the bed, her hair sticking to her forehead; she was calling out her daughter’s name and weeping. The man began to wake her gently, softly shaking her and whispering:
— Natasha, wake up! It’s just a nightmare! You’re safe, everything is fine!
The woman finally opened her eyes and looked around in confusion. She felt embarrassed for having woken the master of the house, especially appearing before him in a thin nightgown. But Anatoly looked at her with special tenderness—this nightgown with embroidered cornflowers was the same one he had once given to his late wife Tamara. She had never worn it. His heart began to pound, and unable to resist, he gently pulled her close. His kisses were soft, like feathers: first on her neck, then on her lips. He whispered, barely containing his emotion:
— How beautiful you are… What a joy it is to see you by my side… Don’t cry, dear. We will definitely get Masha back. We will live together—all as one happy family…
Natasha held her breath. In her life, she had never experienced such love. Once she had a village suitor, but life took its turn: moving to the capital, work, childbirth, her mother’s illness. There had been no place for love. She melted from his words, from his touches, and her heart nearly leapt out of her chest.
The next morning they went to the orphanage to see Masha. The headmistress initially refused to let them in, citing strict rules. But upon seeing the results of the genetic test, she softened her anger into compassion. When the girl entered the room, she paled and looked very thin. Seeing Natasha, Masha ran to her, clambered into her arms, and burst into tears:
— Aunt Natasha, take me away from here! I feel so bad! The girls fight and take away my toys!
The woman kissed her, wiped away her tears, and coaxed her: — I’ll take you away, I promise! You won’t stay here any longer. My little one, my dear…
Masha looked into her eyes and asked: — Where are my mom and dad? Why aren’t they coming for me? I want to go home! Do they not love me anymore?
Natasha’s heart ached. She wanted to shout, “I’m your mom!” But Anatoly stopped her with a look and gently began to explain: — Masha, your mom and dad love you very much. They are just far away right now and can’t come. But Natasha and I also love you very much, and Ilyusha misses you! Do you want to live with us? You’ll play with Ilyusha, run around like on his birthday.
Masha nodded happily and once again clung to Natasha. The woman led her to play with the other children, so that the headmistress could discuss details with Anatoly. — Look how the child is drawn to us, how unhappy she is here. She is a home girl! Allow her to live with us for now. I take responsibility. You surely know our “Uslada” and “Kavkaz” cakes. Tomorrow we will finalize all the documents through our lawyer so that Natasha is recognized as her mother and Masha as the legal heir of the Krasnovs. Why should she suffer here?
The headmistress agreed, and Anatoly happily entered the playroom: — So, little one? I’ve arranged it! We’re taking you home right now. Ready?
The girl clapped her hands and shouted: — Hooray! I’m going with Natasha! And I won’t eat that nasty canned stew anymore!
Ilyusha was overjoyed that his friend now lived with them. Together, they had more fun—playing, running, and eating. Natasha quickly got used to taking care of two little ones at once. After the death of his mother, Ilyusha had missed the warmth of a woman, and he gravitated toward Natasha. Anatoly, for his part, enjoyed the family coziness: a beloved woman, children, a set table, and a delicious dinner. He tried to surround his new family with care.
The lawyer did an excellent job. A month later, the court recognized Natasha as Masha’s official mother, and the girl as the legal heir of the Krasnovs. Now she owned all the property of the deceased couple. Natasha could dispose of the property as if it were her own. In a single stroke, the pauper transformed into a wealthy woman. Anatoly’s mother no longer looked down on her. On the contrary, the parents frequently visited, helped with the grandchildren, and rejoiced for their son.
Natasha had almost found happiness, but one thing still troubled her: how to tell Masha the truth? Could she explain to a three-year-old that the woman she lived with wasn’t her real mom? And that the real mom was herself? The woman decided to consult Anatoly. They thought for a long time, and he said: — I understand how much you want Masha to call you mom. But she is still too young to understand such complex matters. What if she shuts down? Remember Ilyusha—what happened to him after he lost his mother? A child’s psyche is fragile. Please, don’t traumatize her. Just love her with all your heart, and over time you will become her mother. Time heals—it will erase the bad. Let’s wait until she grows up.
Natasha embraced him and agreed: — You’re a wise man. Thank you. Yes, let’s not worry the little one. Let things take their natural course.
Years passed. Ilyusha was already studying in the third grade and held his little sister Masha’s hand as she started first grade. Natasha waved goodbye to them, sending a kiss in the air. Masha shouted: — Bye, mom! And will Dad bring my favorite cake with strawberry cream today? Come on, we’re off!
Natasha watched her children and felt warmth spreading through her heart. Masha had long since begun calling her mom, no longer asking about her parents. Everyone was happy. Now Natasha was not a pauper, but the wife of a successful businessman. She had found her calling, helping her husband at the production, and literally idolized him. Thanks to Anatoly, her life had turned into a real fairy tale.