— Masha, can I talk to you for a minute? — Andrey peeked into the room where his wife was sorting documents into folders.
— Yes, of course, — Maria looked up from the papers. — Did something happen?
Andrey sat on the edge of the sofa and rubbed his palms. That gesture always meant a difficult conversation was coming.
— I’ve been thinking about the car. I need to figure something out. You understand I can’t keep taking the metro all the time. It’s just unbearable, especially when I’m late for important client meetings.
Maria put the folders aside and looked carefully at her husband.
— So, what do you suggest?
— You have savings, — Andrey began cautiously. — Maybe you could lend me money for the down payment? I’ll pay you back as soon as I get my bonus.
Maria frowned.
— You gave the car to Yulia yourself, so why are you asking me for money now? — she looked at him in surprise. — We agreed we would save together for a new one.
— Well, Yulia is different, — Andrey waved his hand. — You see how hard it is for her. She needs to take the kids to school, extracurriculars, clubs. She’s completely overwhelmed alone with them.
— Andrey, but my savings are money I’ve been putting aside for years. We planned to spend it on other things.
— Masha, — Andrey took her hand, — what would it cost you? I’m not asking for all of it. Just for the down payment. Then I’ll pay off the loan myself.
— No, — Maria said firmly. — I won’t give you that money. You could have at least consulted me before giving your car to your sister.
— Here we go again, — Andrey got up and paced the room. — I’ve explained a hundred times — Yulia needed it more. And now when I need your help, you refuse. Wonderful!
He slammed the door and left the room. Maria sighed heavily. This was already the third such conversation this week.
The next day, Maria met with her friend Vera at a small café near work.
— Can you imagine, he asked me for money for the car again, — Maria was stirring her cup. — And every time I refuse, he accuses me of not understanding how hard it is for him.
— What about Yulia? — Vera asked. — How is she doing with the new car?
— I don’t know, — Maria shrugged. — She rarely comes to visit lately. Andrey says she has a lot to deal with with the kids.
Vera smiled strangely.
— What? — Maria was wary. — Do you know something?
— Well, — Vera lowered her voice — Yulia has a new admirer. Maksim, I think. I saw them last weekend at the mall. He was driving her and the kids in his car. A pretty expensive one, by the way.
Maria raised her eyebrows in surprise.
— Andrey didn’t mention that. Probably doesn’t know.
— Also, — Vera leaned closer, — remember I work in a real estate agency? Well, Yulia rented out her apartment through our company and now rents a three-room in a new building. I accidentally saw her in the client database.
— Wait, — Maria frowned. — She rents out her apartment? And didn’t tell Andrey? He thinks she barely has money to live.
— Well, rent in that area brings good income, — noted Vera. — Plus, from what I understand, Maksim helps her financially. He owns some car service business.
Maria thought. Why didn’t Yulia tell her brother anything? And why does she still accept his help if she has a wealthy admirer?
That evening Andrey came home in a bad mood.
— Imagine, — he said entering the kitchen, — I lost a major client today. Wanted to show him a new model, and he asked: “What do you drive yourself?” What was I supposed to say? The metro? The director already hinted that things can’t go on like this.
Maria listened silently to his complaints. She was still thinking about the info from Vera.
— Andrey, — she finally asked — when was the last time you talked to Yulia? How is she doing?
— Fine, I guess, — Andrey shrugged. — I called her last week; she said she was busy with the kids. Why do you ask?
— Just curious, — she replied evasively.
That night she couldn’t sleep for a long time, remembering how it all began. Three months ago, Yulia started complaining to her brother about her hard life. Every conversation ended with Andrey coming home upset and down. “It’s so hard for her alone with the kids,” he repeated. Then came hints about how nice it would be to have a car. “So much time is spent on the road,” “the kids have to be driven across the city for activities.”
Then one day Andrey came home looking determined.
— I’ll give Yulia my car, — he declared. — I need to update mine anyway, and she needs it more now.
Maria didn’t object then. She understood how Andrey worried about his sister and thought they could save for a new car together. But it turned out not to be so simple. Andrey didn’t just lend the car to his sister — he officially gifted it to her. And two weeks later, he started complaining about the inconveniences and asking Maria for money.
At work, things were uneasy for Maria as well. The company was undergoing an audit, and errors were found in the documents her department was responsible for.
— Maria Alekseevna, I’m very disappointed, — said her boss, Viktor Semenovich, sternly. — Such mistakes could cost the company dearly. Do you understand that this could mean losing your bonus?
— Viktor Semenovich, I will personally check all the documents, — Maria assured him. — I will find and fix all the mistakes.
She stayed late in the evenings, double-checking reports. Gradually, she noticed a strange pattern — most errors were in documents prepared by her deputy, Olga.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at home was becoming more tense. Andrey kept insisting on money for a new car, and Maria wasn’t willing to give in.
— You don’t support me at all, — he said again. — How am I supposed to work at a car dealership without a personal car? It’s just ridiculous!
— I don’t support you? — Maria was outraged. — Who makes your lunches? Who listens to your complaints every day? Who didn’t say a word when you gave your car to your sister without consulting me?
— You’re on about your thing again! — Andrey waved irritably. — Yulia is alone with two kids; it’s hard for her.
— Are you sure she’s alone? — Maria couldn’t hold back.
— What do you mean? — Andrey frowned.
— Nothing, — Maria shook her head. — It’s just strange she stopped visiting us. And calls less and less.
— She has a lot to deal with, — Andrey grumbled, but his voice sounded uncertain.
On Saturday, they went to a family lunch at Andrey’s parents. Yulia was supposed to come with the kids too.
— Andryusha, son! — Tamara Vasilievna, Andrey and Yulia’s mother, hugged her son as soon as they stepped in. — So good you came!
— Hello, Tamara Vasilievna, — Maria smiled at her mother-in-law.
— Masha, dear, come in, — the mother-in-law hugged her too. — We’ve already set the table. Yulenka and the kids will be here soon.
Nikolai Petrovich, Andrey’s father, shook his son’s hand firmly.
— You look gloomy, son, — he remarked. — Problems at work?
— Just so-so, — Andrey answered vaguely. — Nothing serious.
They went into the living room where the table was set. Soon Yulia arrived with the kids. Maria immediately noticed her sister-in-law looked much better than before. New hairstyle, fashionable dress, radiant appearance.
— Yulenka, darling! — Tamara Vasilievna rushed to hug her daughter. — How was your trip?
— Great, mom, — Yulia smiled. — Maksim gave us a ride.
— Maksim? — Andrey repeated. — Who is he?
— Oh, I didn’t tell you, — Yulia suddenly remembered. — He’s my… boyfriend. We met recently.
— And where is he? — Tamara Vasilievna asked. — Why didn’t he come in?
— He’s busy, mom, — Yulia blushed. — He’ll come by later.
The conversation at the table was about children, work, the weather. Maria watched Yulia carefully, noticing how she skillfully avoided talks about the car or financial difficulties.
— Yul, how’s your car? — Andrey finally asked. — Still working fine?
— Fine, — Yulia answered quickly. — Everything’s fine.
— And the kids? — Tamara Vasilievna joined in. — Convenient now to take them to classes?
— Yes, of course, — Yulia glanced quickly at her brother. — Much easier.
After lunch, when the kids were playing in the room and the parents were washing dishes, Maria took the chance to approach Yulia.
— I wanted to ask for a while, — she said quietly. — How are you settling in the new place?
Yulia flinched.
— What do you mean?
— Well, the new apartment, — Maria clarified. — Vera said you moved.
Yulia paled.
— How did she… Oh, right, she works at the agency. Yes, I rented out my apartment and rented a bigger one. The kids need space for playing and studying.
— And you didn’t tell your brother, — Maria noted.
— I haven’t had time yet, — Yulia looked around nervously. — Listen, Masha, let’s not talk about this now. Okay?
At that moment her phone rang. Yulia quickly answered and stepped aside. Maria only caught a fragment of the conversation: “Yes, darling, we’ll be ready soon… Yes, we missed you a lot…”
On the way home, Andrey was unusually quiet.
— Did something happen? — Maria asked.
— Have you noticed Yulia is different? — he asked instead of answering. — And this Maksim… She never told me about him.
— Maybe she has her reasons, — Maria suggested cautiously.
— What reasons? — Andrey frowned. — We were always close. She always told me everything.
— Maybe she just doesn’t need your help as much as you think, — Maria said. — Maybe she manages well on her own.
— What are you talking about? — Andrey frowned.
— That your sister might not be as helpless as you think, — Maria said. — Have you ever wondered why she always turns to you for help instead of solving problems herself?
— Because it’s hard for her alone! — Andrey exclaimed. — You just don’t understand what it’s like raising two kids without a husband!
— Are you sure she’s alone? — Maria decided it was time to lay the cards on the table. — Do you know Yulia rents out her apartment and rents a bigger one? Do you know Maksim owns a chain of car services and takes her seriously?
Andrey looked at her in amazement.
— Where did you… No, it can’t be. She would have told me.
— Vera works at the real estate agency Yulia uses, — Maria explained. — And she saw your sister with Maksim at the mall. He drove her and the kids in his car.
— But why didn’t she tell me? — Andrey said confusedly. — Why did she hide it?
— Maybe because it’s convenient for her when you think she’s helpless? — Maria suggested. — When you’re ready to give her your car, help with money?
Andrey was silent, digesting the information. At that moment his phone rang. He looked at the screen.
— It’s Yulia, — he said and answered: — Hello?
Maria saw his expression change during the call. First surprise, then distrust, then anger.
— When were you going to tell me? — he finally said. — Wait. You’re selling the car? The one I gave you? Because Maksim gave you a new one?
He listened to his sister’s reply, frowning more and more.
— I see, — he finally said. — Congratulations on the engagement. Yes, of course, I’m very happy for you.
He hung up and looked at his wife.
— You were right, — he said quietly. — Yulia is marrying Maksim. And they’re selling the car I gave her because he bought her a new one. And she didn’t even think to offer me to buy it back.
Maria sat next to him.
— I’m sorry, — she said sincerely. — I know how much you love your sister.
— It’s not that, — Andrey shook his head. — It’s just… I always thought we were close. That she trusted me. But it turns out she just used my help when it was convenient.
— Maybe she was afraid you wouldn’t approve of her new fiancé? — Maria suggested. — You were very close since childhood. Maybe it was hard for her to admit she had another important man in her life.
Andrey smiled bitterly.
— And I thought she was suffering after the divorce. That it’s hard for her alone. But she’s actually arranged her life a long time ago.
They sat quietly for a long time. Finally, Andrey turned to Maria.
— Forgive me, — he said quietly. — I was unfair to you. I demanded your money, not thinking you work hard too, that you have your own plans.
— It’s okay, — Maria took his hand. — You just love your sister a lot and wanted to help her.
— No, it’s not okay, — Andrey shook his head. — I was selfish. Thought only about myself and Yulia. Not about you, about us.
— Well, — Maria smiled, — now you have a chance to make it right.
Three weeks later, a lot had changed. Maria provided all the evidence to Viktor Semenovich, and Olga was transferred to another department. Maria not only kept her bonus but was promoted.
Andrey reconsidered his attitude toward work and the car. He stopped complaining about public transport and started saving for a new car.
Relations with Yulia gradually improved, though they were no longer as close. She did marry Maksim, and now they saw each other rarely.
— I can’t believe I was so blind, — Andrey said one evening sitting with Maria in the living room. — All these years I thought I had to protect Yulia, take care of her. But she could take care of herself.
— You love your sister; there’s nothing wrong with that, — Maria replied. — Sometimes we just don’t notice our loved ones have grown up and can handle their own problems.
— You know, — Andrey said thoughtfully, — I keep thinking about how you handled the situation at work. You didn’t panic, didn’t blame everyone. You just methodically gathered evidence and presented it to the boss.
— What else could I do? — Maria shrugged. — Screaming wouldn’t help.
— Exactly, — Andrey nodded. — You’re always so… reasonable. Calm. I could learn a lot from you.
Maria smiled.
— Like what?
— Like not always jumping in to solve other people’s problems, — Andrey replied. — Sometimes it’s better to let people deal with it themselves. And also to appreciate what you have instead of chasing after something new.
He took her hand.
— I’m so grateful you were there all this time. For not making a scene when I gave the car to Yulia. For not leaving me when I acted like a selfish jerk.
— Well, I’m not without flaws either, — Maria smiled. — For example, I’m sometimes too stubborn.
— That’s not a flaw, — Andrey disagreed. — If not for your stubbornness, I would have continued to spoil Yulia and demand money from you for a new car.
He was silent, then said:
— I talked to the director today. He offered me a new position — key account manager. Higher salary, but more responsibility.
— That’s great! — Maria was delighted. — Congratulations!
— Thanks, — Andrey nodded. — And you know what’s interesting? With the new salary, we can save for a car much faster. If we save together, in six months we can buy a decent car without a loan.
— Sounds like a plan, — Maria agreed.
— And also, — Andrey looked into her eyes, — I want you to know: I really appreciate you. Not only for what you do for me but for the person you are. Smart, strong, fair. I’m very proud of you.
Maria felt tears well up.
— Thank you, — she said quietly. — That means a lot to me.
They sat together holding hands, making plans for the future. Plans without unnecessary dependence and blind help. Plans where they were equal partners supporting each other.
Somewhere else in the city, Yulia was showing her new husband a photo of her brother and his wife.
— They are good people, — she said. — Andrey always cared for me. Maybe too much, didn’t let me become truly independent. But he always meant well.
— I’m glad you have me now, — Maksim smiled. — And you don’t have to pretend to be helpless to get support.
— Yes, — Yulia nodded. — Now I can just be myself. And that’s a wonderful feeling.
Three stories, three paths to awareness and self-acceptance. Maria, who always knew her worth and didn’t let others take advantage of her. Andrey, who finally understood care shouldn’t turn into control and dependence. And Yulia, who finally found the strength to become independent and build her life on her own terms.
Six months passed. Much changed in Maria and Andrey’s lives. As planned, they saved for a new car — not as expensive as they wanted, but reliable and comfortable. Andrey settled well in his new position and proudly showed clients his car, telling how practical and economical the choice was.
— Masha, don’t forget, your parents’ place at seven, — Andrey reminded her while getting ready for work.
— I remember, — Maria nodded. — Will you pick me up?
— Of course. And… — he hesitated — I invited Yulia and Maksim. I think it’s time for all of us to meet in an informal setting.
Maria smiled. After the car incident, the relationship between brother and sister had cooled noticeably. But step by step, they found a new way to communicate — no longer as guardian and dependent, but as equals, independent people.
— Great idea, — Maria approved. — I hope they come.
— Yulia said she really wants to see us, — Andrey replied. — And apologized for avoiding meetings so long.
— Relationships are complicated things, — Maria said philosophically. — Especially family ones. Sometimes you need time to find the right balance.
That evening at Maria’s parents’ house, the whole family gathered. Yulia and Maksim arrived a little later.
— You must be Andrey? — Maksim shook his brother-in-law’s hand firmly. — Yulia told me a lot about you.
— Hopefully not only bad things, — Andrey joked, but his eyes showed caution.
— Not at all, — Maksim smiled. — Only about how caring you are as a brother.
At dinner, Yulia was noticeably nervous, frequently glancing at her brother. Finally, when everyone moved on to dessert, she decided to speak.
— Andrey, Masha, — she looked at them. — I want to apologize. I behaved… unfairly. I used your kindness, Andrey, and your patience, Masha.
— Yulia, you don’t have to… — Andrey began, but she shook her head.
— No, I have to say it. It was convenient when you thought I was weak and helpless. It gave me a strange feeling of protection. But really, I was just afraid to be independent, afraid of responsibility.
She took Maksim’s hand.
— Then I met someone who believed in me. Who didn’t solve my problems for me but helped me find the strength to solve them myself. And I realized I never gave myself the chance to become stronger.
Andrey looked at his sister thoughtfully as if seeing her for the first time.
— You know, — he finally said, — I also have to apologize. I was so used to being your protector that I didn’t notice I started controlling you. As if I didn’t believe you could handle things yourself.
— We both were wrong, — Yulia smiled gently. — But the important thing is we realized it.
— By the way, — Maksim interrupted, — we have a small gift for you.
He took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Andrey.
— What’s this? — Andrey was surprised.
— Open it, — Yulia suggested.
Andrey opened the envelope and took out a check.
— This is… — he looked at his sister in surprise.
— Money from selling the car you gave me, — Yulia explained. — I know it won’t repay everything you did for me, but I want you to know: I appreciate your care. I just want to build a relationship on equal terms now.
Andrey looked at the check, then at his sister, then at Maria.
— I don’t know what to say, — he admitted.
— Say you accept it, — Maria suggested. — And that we all start with a clean slate.
— I accept, — Andrey nodded and hugged his sister. — And yes, let’s start fresh.
On the way home, Andrey was unusually quiet.
— What are you thinking about? — Maria asked.
— How strange it all turned out, — he replied. — I was so afraid Yulia would fall apart without me, I didn’t notice I became dependent on being her protector. And she was growing all along, becoming stronger. I just didn’t want to see it.
— Sometimes it’s hard to let go of those we love, — Maria noted. — To give them the right to make mistakes, to find their own way.
— Yes, — Andrey agreed. — But if you don’t give them that freedom, they will never truly grow up.
He was silent, then added:
— And I think about us. How I almost ruined our relationship by demanding from you what I should have done myself. Thank you for not giving up, for not yielding to my selfishness.
— I believed you would figure it out, — Maria replied simply. — That you’d see how things really are.
Andrey took her hand.
— You know what I learned these months? True love isn’t doing for others what they can do themselves. It’s being there, supporting, believing in them. Like you believed in me.
— And how you believe in Yulia now, — Maria added.
— Yes, — Andrey nodded. — And now, when we see each other less, our meetings are much more interesting. We finally talk like adults, not as guardian and dependent.
They arrived home and sat in the car for a while, enjoying the silence and each other’s presence.
— What do you plan to do with the money Yulia returned? — Maria finally asked.
Andrey smiled.
— Actually, I have an idea. Remember we talked about taking a trip together? Maybe to the sea or mountains? I think we both need a vacation.
— Sounds wonderful, — Maria squeezed his hand. — I’ve long dreamed of such a trip.
— Then it’s decided, — Andrey nodded. — After all, what’s more important than investing in what you truly value?
They got out of the car and headed home. Ahead was an evening filled with plans for the future. A future with room for new discoveries, growth, mature love. And understanding a simple truth: sometimes you have to let go of something familiar to gain something much more valuable.