«Evgenia and her friend Inna had been sitting in the café for a solid hour, staring out the window, afraid to miss an important moment. They had already drunk two cups of coffee each and eaten their fill of pastries, yet nothing was happening on the other side of the glass. Evgenia decisively broke the ensuing silence:
«Inna, enough already! I’m tired of staring out the window for nothing. There’s no one there! You probably got it all mixed up; my Artem is not like that, and we’ve been together half our lives. His character is certainly no gift, I won’t argue, but he’s definitely not capable of cheating! Let’s get out of here, the other patrons are starting to stare!»
But her relentless friend stood firm:
«Just wait, ten more minutes, and then we’ll go. It’s the end of the workday, they’ll show up soon, our lovebirds! I didn’t get it wrong, I’ve seen your hubby with that foxy lady all dolled up three times already. I’m telling you, she’s his mistress. Oh, finally, there they are, look!»
Evgenia pressed against the glass and indeed saw her husband coming out of the office, hand-in-hand with a young, buxom woman. He opened the car door for her, kissed her gently on the cheek, and helped her sit down. His demeanor radiated absolute happiness and pride to have such a lady by his side.
Evgenia’s heart ached, and she felt a flush of heat; she even let out a faint cry and grimaced. Startled, Inna waved a napkin at her and brought some water:
«Gen, are you feeling ill? Here, take this glass… What a fool I am! I wanted you to know the truth, but it hurts you now…»
The woman drank some water and sighed heavily:
«Stop it, I’m fine, just… my heart is acting up a bit. It’s probably from the coffee. Well, think about it. Maybe she’s not a mistress at all, perhaps a work colleague, or an acquaintance. Enough of these detective stories! I need to get home, otherwise Artem will come home, and dinner isn’t ready yet.»
Annoyed, Inna retorted:
«Well fine, don’t believe it, and you don’t have to.»
Evgenia began to waver and torment herself: «Of course, we’ve been together for ten years, and I still couldn’t get pregnant no matter how hard I tried. That’s probably why Artem found himself a young woman, to bear him an heir. And what now? How to go on living. I love him so much. And what about the family?»
Seeing her friend’s tormented face, Inna suddenly suggested:
«You know what? Your dinner isn’t going anywhere. There’s a trusted fortune teller living just around the corner. Let’s go see her? Our girls have consulted her many times, they say she doesn’t lie. She’ll definitely tell you the whole truth. Whether your Tёma is cheating or not?»
Evgenia burst into hysterical laughter:
«Inna, we’re thirty years old. What fortune tellers? What kind of kindergarten is this? I never believed in that nonsense. It’s all sheer charlatanism, just to scam people out of money. But if you want, let’s go, it might be amusing. I’m curious about what she’ll predict. How much does your seer charge, I bet it’s not cheap?»
Her friend countered:
«That’s just it, she doesn’t charge anything. People leave whatever they want as a token of gratitude, but she doesn’t ask for it herself.»
Actually, Evgenia was a little scared for her future.. What if the fortune teller said something bad, and then you’d have to think about it and wait.
Evgenia expected to see a bunch of mystical attributes that so-called seers like to surround themselves with: candles, semi-darkness, a heavily made-up woman in a black hood, and of course, a deck of Tarot cards.. That’s exactly how she imagined the fortune teller’s apartment. Therefore, when they were greeted by a round, smiling old woman who led them into an ordinary kitchen, the woman was even disappointed. The pensioner sat her down on a chair, asked her nothing, only said:»
«Give me your hand, let’s see what you’ve come with, what’s on your heart?»
She stared intently at the lines on her hand, traced them with her finger, murmured something with her lips, then suddenly declared:
«Indeed, my dear, your fate is not simple, it’s tangled. Sorrow and joy walk side by side. You’ve faced many hardships but didn’t give in, you stood strong. You’re very kind, responsive; many take advantage of that. Don’t be sad about your husband, don’t suffer, he’s not meant for you. Your paths are different. You will find your happiness when you let a wandering stranger into your home today. He is your destiny, just know that.»
Evgenia smiled, barely holding back laughter, thanked the old woman, and left the apartment with her friend, thinking to herself:
«Lord, what nonsense this all is. Nothing specific, you could say this to anyone, and it would fit. How can people believe in this, it’s the twenty-first century. Just a bunch of words, I swear.»
In the evening, a heavy rain began, Evgenia was just finishing cooking dinner, and Artem was still not home. She felt sad and lonely, so she sat by the window, closed her eyes, and went through her life bit by bit like beads.
As a child, Evgenia was a real tomboy. She was born into a poor family. Her father worked as a stoker all his life, her mother was a cleaner at her school. Of course, they lived with difficulty, barely making ends meet. The girl only saw chocolate candies on major holidays, and all toys and clothes were hand-me-downs. Her mother was always tired, exhausted, with a look of resignation in her eyes. Her father liked to drink, often lashed out at the family, and was always grumbling. Therefore, Evgenia spent most of her time outside. She played with a limping stray dog, Toshka, and fed all the animals in their communal yard, often getting scolded by her mother for it. «We don’t have money as it is, and you’re dragging the last bits from the house to these flea carriers!»
At school, classmates often teased her and didn’t want to be friends with her. Especially since her class was challenging, with a mathematical focus, where only very talented children or those from well-off families were selected. Everyone had new, beautiful backpacks, imported pens, notebooks, phones, and clothes. And only Evgenia in her patched and worn school uniform, and in clumsy, worn shoes with a cheap button phone, was among them like a black sheep. And her mother had to name her that. The girl considered her name boyish and silly, she was terribly embarrassed by it. Of course, Evgenia sounds beautiful, but peers don’t call each other that. And when they shouted: «Zhenka or Zhenyok,» she wanted to disappear into the ground.
The girl was often tried to be teased and hurt, but she was fearless, and together with her only friend, Matvey, she would get into fights. The teachers, of course, didn’t like this, and they scolded Evgenia for inappropriate behavior, but they valued her for something else. The girl had a talent for math, she could calculate complex combinations of numbers in her head and even solve any equation. And this was despite the fact that no one worked with her or took her to tutors. Evgenia was always sent to math competitions and Olympiads, where she successfully took first places and raised the school’s rating. Therefore, teachers turned a blind eye to her behavior.
Matvey was perhaps the only friend Evgenia had throughout all her school years. The boy was not stupid, just very shy and timid. He had no parents and was raised by his only grandmother. Therefore, he, like no one else, understood how difficult and offensive it is when you are dressed worse than everyone else and don’t go to the cafeteria with the guys. You tell everyone it’s not tasty there, but your stomach is cramping from hunger, but you can’t even buy a bun because there’s no money. The boy didn’t talk much, just snuffled and carried his friend’s backpack all those years, trying to protect her from the attacks of cruel classmates. They often jokingly shouted:
Look, a defender has shown up. Maybe you’ve fallen for Zhenya, Petrov?»
But the boy simply showed them his fist, took his girlfriend by the hand, and led her away.
After graduating from school with honors, Zhenya effortlessly enrolled in the economics department at the university and graduated with distinction. She was always sociable and communicative, let her friends copy from her during exams, participated in the KVN comedy team, and frequented discos. She loved her studies and found them surprisingly easy.
After university, Zhenya was taken on a probationary period by a reputable firm as an economist. The girl was overjoyed. She tried to understand the work and quickly proved herself from the best side. A young and promising manager, Artem, the son of wealthy parents, always looked down on her a bit, considering her a young upstart who amounted to nothing. She responded in kind, thinking he was just a spoiled rich kid, what else to expect. There was always some tension in the air between them, it seemed they were on the verge of clashing. If someone had told Zhenya then that Artem would become her husband, she would have just twirled her finger at her temple, but one incident decided it all.
On the company’s birthday, the boss suggested organizing a corporate party. At the height of the party, when Zhenya was winning one ingenuity contest after another and having a great time, Artem sat puffed up like a turkey and watched begrudgingly. This spirited, smart, and creative girl acted on him like a magnet. He thought about her day and night, and was terribly angry with himself. «What did you find in her? Red-haired, slightly plump, a bit clumsy, well think about it, a beautiful smile, eyes with huge, curled eyelashes. Nothing special. And she acts all high and mighty. Some Einstein.» And suddenly, at the next contest, they ended up on the same team. Artem got nervous, faltered, and almost lost outright. To his surprise, Zhenya didn’t mock him; on the contrary, she quietly encouraged and helped him, and they won. Unexpectedly to himself, Artem leaned toward her and whispered:
«Thank you!» -and pecked her on the cheek. At that moment, an attraction occurred between them. All the alienation and hostility vanished; they danced together to lively music and it seemed there could be no closer friends. Thus, from a regular party, their romance began. It was long and unhurried. The young people’s characters were absolutely different. Sometimes Artem was unbearable, everything in his life had to be arranged just so, all events had to occur exactly as he decided. Zhenya, however, was easy-going and optimistic, she hated quarrels and tried to smooth over conflicts, adjusting to her fiancé. Despite the disagreements, the romance ended in a lavish wedding six months later. Zhenya, to be honest, couldn’t even answer herself why she fell in love with this haughty rich man. But the fact remains, without Artem, she couldn’t imagine her life.
Zhenya’s parents had already died by then, very suddenly and unexpectedly. First, her mother passed away, and then a month later, her father, unable to bear the loneliness. Artem’s parents didn’t really care for their daughter-in-law. Although they recognized she was smart, what use was that? She was a pauper, no dowry, no connections. And Artem had Lena before this redhead, a fiancée from a businessman’s family, well-to-do, but no, the son had to fall in love with this Zhenya. After the wedding, everyone buzzed around, «When will the heirs come, hurry up, don’t delay.»
Zhenya herself desperately wanted a child, but as the years went by, pregnancy still didn’t happen. Visits to doctors yielded nothing, they just shrugged their shoulders. No particular health problems were identified in her, but she couldn’t get pregnant. Artem categorically refused to get examined, convinced that he was definitely fine. This topic was always painful in their family. Both were already in their thirties, their friends already had children, not just one. Zhenya blamed herself, was angry, and couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t send her the long-awaited baby. She had long since stopped being a tomboy and had become a dignified, beautiful, well-kept woman. She tried to match the image of the ideal wife: meticulously groomed, dressed modestly but stylishly and tastefully, the house a full cup, in bed she did everything just as her husband liked. Although deep down she was completely different, sometimes she just wanted to let loose and have fun like in her childhood. But her husband didn’t understand that and got angry when Zhenya suddenly tried to joke or be ironic. One day she bought hot dogs and Coca-Cola and suggested Artem have a ‘junk food day.’ Oh, how much she then heard: «Throw that garbage out immediately. It’s unhealthy, and not fitting for our status, we are not teenagers after all!»
With each passing year, Evgenia and Artem grew more distant from each other, as if an invisible wall was slowly being built between them, brick by brick. The husband moved to work at another company, their schedules no longer matched, and the spouses saw each other less and spent less time together. And now her friend had helped by showing her who her husband was truly happy with. «What should I do? Should I confront Artem directly and ask who that girl is that I saw him with? Or should I pretend I know nothing? Otherwise, a scandal is inevitable.» — the woman tormented herself.
All the while Evgenia was pondering, a vagabond in a long coat sat huddled and shivering from the cold on a bench near their house. It was pouring rain as if from a bucket, thundering on the roof and windows, gusts of wind tore the last leaves from the trees. Suddenly, the woman felt so sorry for this stranger. Just out of human compassion. I have everything: a luxurious home, a fulfilling life, a good job, and I’m still unsatisfied. And this poor soul doesn’t even have a roof over his head. How terrifying. Night comes, and you have nowhere to go, nothing to eat… In a burst of emotion, she ran out to the porch and waved him over, beckoning him to her. She decided, «It won’t hurt me to feed and warm him. Maybe I can help somehow?» The man looked at her in surprise but approached. She invited him into the house:
«Sir, the weather outside is dreadful.. Come into my house, wait out the rain, have some hot tea, and then you can go. Otherwise, you might get sick. Or let me at least give you an umbrella!»
The vagabond hesitated but still timidly entered and sat on the edge of a stool in the hallway. He took off his hood, and Evgenia gasped:
«Matvey? Petrov? It can’t be. Is that you? How did you end up here? It’s me, Zhenya Usova, remember? We studied in the same class. Don’t you recognize me?»
He looked at her with clear bewilderment, as if he was seeing her for the first time in his life:
«Which Zhenya? I don’t remember anything. I was recently hit on the head, local homeless found me on the roadside and dragged me to their shelter. I don’t know who I am or where I’m from. Are you sure you know me?»
Just then, the door burst open, and a drunken Artem stumbled into the house. Seeing the vagabond-looking man in the hallway, who reeked of the dumpster, he flew into a rage:
«So, what is this now? Congratulations, dear. This is what it’s come to! How long have you been cheating on me with this bum? Though, what a surprise, knowing what family you come from…»
Evgenia was stunned:
«Artem, come to your senses. What are you talking about? Apologize right now. This is my former classmate. He’s fallen on hard times and needs help. He just came in. I’ll show you the photos right now…»
But her husband, as if not hearing her, insisted on his point:
«I see it all now. So this is who you are, Zhenya. I didn’t expect this… And you enjoy sleeping with him? Disgusting! I have nothing more to do here… I’m divorcing you! I’ve wanted to do it for a long time anyway!»
The husband began frantically throwing things into a suitcase, Evgenia cried, pleading with him to come to his senses, but he slammed the door loudly and left, offended.
Evgenia burst into tears and lashed out at Matvey in her heartache:
«Where did you come from, bringing this upon me? I felt sorry for you, and now I’m left without a husband. Well, are you warmed up now? Now get out! My whole life is ruined!» – and she forcefully began to push the man out the door.
To her surprise, Matvey didn’t go anywhere but continued to sit on the same bench, clutching his head, continuing to soak in the rain.
The woman cried, tried to call her husband, but he kept hanging up her calls, and then that same girl picked up the phone with a smooth voice:
«Artem is busy, don’t call here anymore. You’ve broken up, haven’t you?»
Zhenya felt so bitter and wronged. What a scoundrel! Not only did he cheat on me, but he also made it seem like I was the one who cheated on him. What cynicism! It had completely darkened outside, almost night. Zhenya instinctively looked out the window, hoping maybe her husband had changed his mind and would return soon, and was horrified. Matvey was still sitting there, soaked to the bone and shivering. She couldn’t stand it, dressed up, went outside decisively approached him:
«I’m sorry, Matvey! You’re not to blame. I yelled at you in my grief. Let’s go inside, my husband has left! There’s nothing left to lose…»
He followed her dejectedly and resignedly. He wanted to sit down but suddenly turned pale and began to slowly slide down the wall to the floor. Evgenia was terrified, she felt his head, it was burning hot. It was clear, Matvey had a high fever.
With great difficulty, she dragged him to the sofa, somehow pulled off his dirty, foul-smelling clothes, brought a basin with warm water, and started to rub him down. She then made a vinegar compress and changed it every half hour. But the man was getting worse, he was delirious, thrashing about, shouting obscenities, and barely conscious. Trembling, a frightened Zhenya dialed her friend’s number:
Inna, don’t ask anything right now. Run to the pharmacy, get some fever-reducing injections and antibiotics, and hurry to me. Quickly! I’ll explain everything later!»
Her friend was completely stunned when she saw a half-naked man on the couch:
«Dear God, Zhenya! And who is this? What happened? Where’s Artem?»
The woman just waved her hand:
«Artem left me. This is my classmate, Matvey. He’s in trouble and needs help. There’s no time to talk—help me, you’re a medic! He’s burning up with fever, probably caught a cold in the rain. Please save him!»
Her friend got to work administering first aid like a pro. She measured his temperature and was horrified—it was off the charts. She gave him several injections and instructed her friend to keep giving the patient small sips of water with a spoon.
Together, Inna and Zhenya spent four nights by Matvey’s bedside, taking turns watching over him. At one point, they were terrified for his life. Despite intensive treatment, his fever wouldn’t go down.
Zhenya held Matvey’s hand and, as if in a delirium, whispered:
«Sweetheart, don’t you dare die! Live, I beg you! Lord, help him! Please let him recover! Inna, why isn’t he getting better?»
Her friend snapped:
«Because we should’ve called an ambulance instead of listening to you. How should I know? I’m not an X-ray machine! He could have pneumonia or worse. If he dies here, we’ll both be held responsible! You’ve really dragged me into something, Zhenya. As if your problems with Artem weren’t enough, now you’ve decided to take in a homeless guy! I have no words…»
The woman quietly responded:
«But he doesn’t have any documents—they’ll classify him as homeless. Who will treat and care for him then? Matvey is a good person! He protected me from mean boys all through childhood; we were friends for many years. I just can’t abandon someone in trouble like this. It’s inhuman! I feel like something really bad happened to him!»
Thank God, by morning, the fever started to subside. Exhausted, Zhenya managed to change the damp sheets under him once again—they were so soaked they could be wrung out. Matvey eventually fell asleep and began to breathe evenly and calmly.
Finally, Zhenya exhaled with relief and realized: «She and Inna had done it! The worst was over! He’ll recover now!» She collapsed into a chair and fell into a deep sleep. She didn’t even hear her friend quietly leaving, closing the door behind her. Through her sleep, Zhenya heard Matvey’s soft voice:
«Zhenya, Zhenechka, is that you?»
She jumped up, ran to him, and joyfully responded:
«Matvey, you remember me? Oh… your head isn’t hot anymore; you’re better now? How do you feel? Does anything hurt? Should we still take you to the hospital to see a doctor?»
He nodded:
«I feel much better, thanks to you. No, please, no hospital.»
Zhenya firmly said:
«One last shot, and you’ll feel completely better—it’s necessary!» She shakily opened the antibiotic ampoule.
Matvey endured the injection bravely and continued:
«Can you believe it? I remember everything now. It’s incredible how things turn out. After school, I got into business and slowly built myself up. I have a small transportation company with several trucks. We’ve been running smoothly for years, with steady clients and reliable employees. Three days ago, I was on my way to your city for a meeting to resolve some misunderstandings. I never pick up hitchhikers, you never know what kind of people they are. But that night, I saw a young couple—they looked so in love. They were huddled together, freezing, and hesitantly raised their hand for a ride. The girl had a sports bag, so I thought they were students heading home. I felt sorry for them and stopped. What harm could it do to give them a lift? Everything seemed fine; we chatted pleasantly and were almost in the city. Then the girl asked me to stop, saying she felt sick and needed fresh air for five minutes. So, I pulled over. I didn’t suspect a thing. But then… a sharp pain in my head and everything went black. The guy sitting in the back must have hit me with something heavy. I came to when some homeless people dragged me to a shelter—thank God they didn’t let me freeze in the bushes by the roadside. Of course, my money, phone, and car were gone. Losing my memory was terrifying. Wandering around the city, not knowing who I was or where I came from, felt like being an alien. But now I need to go to the police immediately. The chances are slim they’ll find my car—it’s probably been dismantled and sold already—but I have to try…»
Zhenya was shocked by what she heard.
“What a nightmare! Your family must be frantic, searching for you everywhere, turning the world upside down. You need to call them and let them know you’re alive.”
Matvey shook his head sadly.
“There’s no one to look for me. My parents died a long time ago; you remember, I lived with my grandmother back in school. Then she passed away too. I’ve been alone ever since. Never married, no kids. My colleagues might be wondering why they can’t reach me, but they’re used to me going on frequent business trips…”
Zhenya asked quietly, “Why didn’t you marry? Didn’t you fall in love with anyone all these years?”
Matvey looked into her eyes and took her hand. “No, I didn’t… I was crazy about you in school. I carried your bag faithfully, always hoping you’d notice how much I cared. But you never did. To you, I was just a friend. And I, being a fool, didn’t dare confess my feelings. Later, every time I tried to start something with another girl I liked, I realized it wasn’t right. Your red curls, your bright laughter, and your mischievous smile are still etched in my mind.”
Zhenya was stunned. “Wow, Matvey… I honestly had no idea. I thought we were just friends, that’s all.”
Matvey started gathering his things. “Thank you for everything, Zhenya. You’re my guardian angel! Without your kindness and compassion, I’d have died, no doubt. You took care of me with your friend—went through so much. That’s priceless. I have to run now, and I’m so sorry for causing such a big fight with your husband. If you want, I can call him and explain everything—that we’re old classmates, met by chance, and that nothing happened between us… This situation turned out so awkward.”
Zhenya shook her head. “No need. I don’t want him back. He knows perfectly well that nothing happened between us. Besides, he’s had a mistress for a long time—I’ve even seen them together. Artem wanted to leave but didn’t know how, and this was a convenient excuse. So, he turned everything upside down and blamed me for imaginary sins. It’s easier that way… You know, Matvey, I loved him deeply at first, and he loved me—I could feel it. But as the years passed, we grew further apart. God didn’t bless us with children, and there’s not much left to divide. This house is in my name, while the car, apartment, and company shares are his. Let it stay that way. I can’t live with him after his betrayal—it’s revolting. So don’t blame yourself. In fact, I’m really glad we met again like this. I remember you as a tall, skinny, pimply teenager, and now I see a strong, handsome man in front of me. Oh, and I washed your clothes. Here, take them.”
Matvey laughed. “And you’re not the same plump, feisty girl with pigtails. You’ve become a true lady. That haircut suits you so well. Honestly, you look stunning! Gorgeous! And now that you’re practically single, I’m not going to miss this chance. Just so you know—I’m going to court you!” He winked at her playfully.
Zhenya’s heart felt so light and warm. Matvey’s compliments and attention filled her with joy. For the first time in years, she felt like that carefree, young girl again.
Matvey filed a report with the police, and two weeks later, during a raid in the industrial area on the outskirts of the city, his car was found. According to investigators, the vehicle was being prepared for sale, but the culprits had disappeared without a trace. Still, Matvey was relieved, returned to his business, and threw himself back into work.
For Zhenya, a painful and challenging divorce awaited. Artem hadn’t expected his wife to take such a decisive step. He had been perfectly content with his comfortable, stable life at home while having his fun and excitement with his young mistress, Zhanna. His dramatic exit, slamming the door, had been a performance meant to scare Zhenya into begging him to come back. Instead, her resolve caught him off guard, and he was furious. Artem lashed out in every way he could: causing a scene at Zhenya’s workplace, tarnishing her reputation, complaining to his parents, who then called her incessantly to lecture her.
Through it all, Matvey stood by Zhenya, just as he had in their childhood, protecting her from the onslaught of negativity.
Zhenya hadn’t anticipated such intense pressure from all sides. At work, after Artem’s public outburst, colleagues began gossiping, labeling her as a fallen woman who cheated and then abandoned her wonderful husband. Her in-laws chastised her, reminding her how they had accepted her into the family when she had “nothing” and now accused her of being ungrateful and unfaithful.
Initially, Artem’s mistress, Zhanna, was delighted when he showed up with a suitcase, declaring that he had left his wife and they could now be together. She imagined a life where her husband would earn the money, pamper her, and take her to resorts, while she spent her days in beauty salons and boutiques. But after just a month of living together, their relationship ended in a heated argument. Artem complained that she couldn’t cook, didn’t listen to him, and cared only about herself. Zhanna, in turn, was shocked that her romantic and attentive lover turned out to be so demanding and dull. Artem had grown used to a tidy home, delicious meals, and a patient, loving wife.
When left on his own, Artem changed his tactics, hoping to win Zhenya back. He waited for her outside work with extravagant bouquets, apologized, and professed his love, but Zhenya refused to reconcile. She felt at peace with Matvey. There was no need to adapt to someone else’s mood swings or endure aggression. Matvey was still the kind, compassionate, and open-hearted boy she had known in childhood, always her protector.
Watching the constant pressure on Zhenya, Matvey finally said:
«Zhenya, I’ve been thinking. Why do we keep traveling back and forth between cities to see each other? Leave it all behind and move in with me. You can work as an accountant at my company, and we’ll get married. If we’re lucky, we’ll have kids. If not, we’ll live for each other. I can’t promise a luxurious life like the one you had, but at least Artem will stop bothering you. You’ll finally be at peace. Lately, you’ve looked so exhausted—dark circles under your eyes, sleepless nights. It’s hard to watch.»
Zhenya hesitated; starting over at 30 felt daunting. But she decided to take the risk and agreed.
A year later, Zhenya had settled into her new life. She and Matvey had married quietly, without any grand celebrations, and were living a calm, happy life. They understood each other perfectly, sharing their thoughts and feelings openly.
One evening, Matvey came home from work and said with a mysterious smile:
«My love, guess who I found under my car tires. Isn’t he adorable?»
From beneath his jacket peeked a skinny, wet gray kitten, curiously sniffing the air. Zhenya squealed with joy, threw her arms around Matvey, and hugged him tightly. She had always dreamed of having a kitten. As a child, she fed all the stray cats in the neighborhood, but her mother had forbidden her from keeping one, saying they couldn’t afford another mouth to feed. Later, Artem had been adamantly against it, dismissing the idea with disgust, claiming pets were unsanitary and troublesome.
Now, her dream had finally come true. The tiny kitten became part of their family. Zhenya gently picked him up, spoke to him lovingly, and gave him warm milk. He ate hungrily, puffed up like a little ball, and fell asleep on her lap, purring contentedly. The next day, Zhenya bathed him, bought him a bowl and litter box, and treated him for fleas. They named him Harry.
Harry was endlessly amusing, playing with candy wrappers and balls, making the couple laugh. Matvey built him a scratching post, and Zhenya sewed him a soft bed. Caring for their new pet brought the couple even closer together.
Recently, Zhenya hadn’t been feeling well. She had no energy, no appetite, and was constantly sleepy. When she suddenly experienced sharp abdominal pain, Matvey panicked and called an ambulance. Zhenya was taken to the hospital. Poor Matvey was beside himself with worry, imagining the worst. Finally, a stern doctor called him in for a serious conversation.
«Your wife is pregnant, but it’s still early. There’s a risk of miscarriage. Understand, her age makes this pregnancy critical, her kidneys are weak, and there’s a significant chance the baby could be born with genetic abnormalities. Think it over carefully—I wouldn’t risk her health,» the doctor advised.
A stunned and worried Matvey walked into Zhenya’s hospital room. She immediately began speaking:
«I know what the doctor told you. He told me the same thing. I don’t want to hear it. I’ve dreamed of having a child for so many years, convinced myself I was barren, prayed, cried, and finally gave up hope. And now, this miracle. Yes, it’s risky, but I have to try to be a mother, even if it costs me my life. It’s my choice! I hope you’ll support me.»
Matvey exhaled and embraced her.
«I love you. Everything will be fine—I believe in it, and so should you. Don’t listen to anyone. We’re going to have a healthy, strong baby, you’ll see.»
The pregnancy was extremely difficult. Zhenya was in and out of the hospital, constantly at risk of miscarriage. She didn’t carry to full term, and the birth was an emergency and premature. But, thank God, a beautiful red-haired baby boy was born. He was so tiny and fragile that it was almost frightening to hold him. His little cheeks puffed up amusingly, and he scrunched his face. They named him Bogdan because his birth was nothing short of a miracle.
Matvey was over the moon, bathing him gently, giving him massages, swaddling him, and singing lullabies. Zhenya immersed herself in their newfound happiness. As she breastfed Bogdan, she wanted to shout to the world, «I’m a mom!» She finally understood the true purpose of motherhood—it didn’t matter what job you had, how much money you made, your social status, or how smart you were. Looking at her son, she whispered, «You’re my happiness.»
They decided to have Bogdan baptized, choosing Inna as his godmother. Zhenya visited her to extend the invitation. Only her closest and most trusted friend could take on such a role, especially since Inna had plenty of experience with children, having two of her own.
Sitting together over coffee, Zhenya shared her emotions.
«Inna, you know, I’m so happy. Life with Matvey is so wonderful. I feel like I was living someone else’s life before him. I kept trying to please Artem, enduring his terrible temper, suppressing my own opinions. I cooked elaborate meals, quit my dance classes because he didn’t like them, and convinced myself that’s what a perfect wife should do—all for the sake of the family. But now I see it doesn’t have to be that way.
«Matvey and I can grab some sandwiches and have a picnic on the lawn or eat ice cream in bed while watching a movie, or spend weekends riding bikes in the park. With Artem, such simple joys were impossible. He insisted on eating only at the table, thought bike rides were for losers, and only attended glamorous social events.
«When Matvey brought home a kitten, I almost cried with happiness. Do you remember how my ex never let me have a pet? And as for Bogdan’s birth, it’s beyond words. Artem and his family had long written me off as barren. I even believed it myself and stopped dreaming of motherhood. And then this miracle happened. The doctors doubted I’d carry the baby to term, but Matvey believed in me, in us, and kept saying we’d have a healthy child. If someone had told me my life would change this much, I’d never have believed them.»
Inna laughed.
«Well, you didn’t believe it when the fortune-teller said so, did you? Remember her words: ‘The wanderer you let into your home will be your destiny.’»
Zhenya’s eyes widened.
«That’s right! I’d completely forgotten. We should go back to her. I want to ask how she knew. How could she predict my fate so accurately?»
When they visited the fortune-teller, Zhenya got straight to the point.
«Do you remember me? My friend and I came to you a year ago. You told me a stranger would enter my life and become my destiny. And it all came true, on the very same day! My entire life turned around. I became a beloved wife and a mother. Thank you—I’m so happy now. But how did you see it?»
The old woman smiled.
«I simply saw in your eyes how lost and afraid you were, how you hesitated to take a step forward and change your life. I just gave you a little push to stop fixating and allow change to come. That’s all. You did everything yourself—I had nothing to do with it.»
Zhenya could hardly believe it. Was it magic, fate, or something else entirely? Who knows?
Every time Zhenya strolled through the park with Matvey and their son in his stroller, she thought of the fortune-teller whose words had changed her life. How could she not believe in predictions after that?
