Zoya worked her whole life as a teacher, and now, due to her small pension, was forced to sell vegetables at the market. Her son-in-law brought a new wife into his apartment, while her daughter returned to live with her mother and child. Zoya helped her daughter as much as she could.
“Mom, I feel awkward about this. You spend all day in the garden and at the market,” said Elya. “You should rest.” “It’s okay, daughter. As long as I have the strength, I’ll help you and your son. You also do your part, you cleared half the garden in just a couple of days! I couldn’t have managed that alone,” the woman replied. “And we need to buy new boots for Lesya for school. She can’t go in old ones, can she?”
So they lived, helping each other. They believed that someday their street would also have a celebration. Of course, if Elya could have “walked over heads,” she wouldn’t have struggled alone.
One morning, Zoya Fedorovna went to trade. She had a prime spot, attracting many customers. This was noticed by other sellers, including a former teacher colleague, Lyudmila, who then took Zoya’s spot. “Why are you sleeping in so long? Sorry, I’ve already taken your place. It takes me an hour to set up and an hour to pack up, so you’ll have to find another spot today,” declared Lyuda.
Zoya didn’t argue with her. It wasn’t in her character. She set up her stall not far away, next to a neighbor who was also selling.
“How’s your son-in-law? Hasn’t he come back?” asked Tanya. “No, he hasn’t,” sighed Zoya. “He has his own life now.” “Young people these days don’t want a family, children. They want to live for themselves. My own son still isn’t married, always running off to the mountains,” the neighbor shared.
Time flew by as they talked. After lunch, a young man dressed in strange clothes appeared at the market.
“Did he just sit down?” Lyuda was shocked, and all the vendors looked apprehensively at the newcomer.
The man approached Zoya’s stall. Coming up to her merchandise, he pulled out his pockets and asked:
“Auntie, I have absolutely no money. Could I get a couple of apples on credit?” “Just take them, what’s there to say. But why does such a young guy have no money?” she shrugged in response. “I had to, auntie, travel home from places not so far. Don’t worry, I’m not some murderer. Fell for a woman as a boy, and that landed me in jail.
“Can’t your family help you? Why are you traveling home alone?” “I have them. Just feel awkward calling them. I want to surprise them.” “How far is it?” “Ulyanovsk.” “That’s a long journey!”
Then the ex-con stepped away briefly. The market square was near the station. Zoya saw the man talking to a driver, then he returned to her.
“Auntie. Please lend me a little. Otherwise, I won’t see my home. Don’t be scared, I’ll repay the debt once I earn,” he pleaded, looking at her imploringly.
“How much do you need?” “A thousand!”
And, under the bewildered glances of other vendors, Zoya handed him a generous bill. “You shouldn’t walk, take it,” she said. “Thank you so much! I’ll definitely repay it!” thanked the young man. “My name is Pasha, and what’s your name?” “I am Zoya Fedorovna.” “Thank you, Zoya Fedorovna!” he thanked her again and headed toward the bus. “What a fool you are, Zoya! He won’t return anything to you!” the neighbor complained. “We need to help each other; we aren’t animals,” the woman defended herself. “But he’s not a person. A convict is a convict even in Africa!”
Zoya, waving off Tanya, headed home.
By the weekend, Elya was bedridden with a fever. The mother, having gathered various herbs from the garden, treated her daughter as best she could.
Her granddaughter ran up in the evening with a book and, tugging at Zoya’s sleeve, chirped:
“Granny, read me a fairy tale?” “Of course, I’ll read it, my granddaughter,” the elderly woman agreed, patting the girl on the head.
It started raining outside. As the logs crackled in the stove, Elya set the table. The family was gathering for dinner. Suddenly, someone knocked at the door.
The women exchanged glances. They weren’t expecting anyone! “May I?” Opening the door, an unfamiliar man entered. Looking closely at him, Zoya remembered: “Pasha?” “Yes, it’s me, Zoya Fedorovna. Sorry I couldn’t return the debt right away. A lot has happened to me recently.” “If it weren’t for your eyes, I would never have recognized you!” laughed the elderly woman. “You look so decent! Wearing a suit, shaved, a sight for sore eyes.” “Please, join us for dinner,” Elya offered, slightly embarrassed.
At the table, Pasha shared his story about how he ended up behind bars. He was unfairly sentenced to three years!
“Now I’m back as the head of the department, so if you need anything, come to my clinic,” he finished his story, looking at Elya with interest.
A week later, a familiar car stopped in front of Zoya’s house, and Pavel stepped out with a big bouquet of flowers. “Daughter, look out the window! Your suitor has come,” the mother exclaimed, peeking through the curtain. “Looks like we’ll be having a wedding soon?” “So, our street’s celebration has finally arrived!” laughed Elya, holding little Lesya to her chest.