The Leskov family had been unlucky for a long time. For many years, they had no children. Olga Sergeevna, poor thing, had tried everything: she went through dozens of clinics, visited monasteries, traveled to holy places, even bought a ticket to Jerusalem. Her husband, Pyotr, was always by her side—like a true knight, he accompanied his wife everywhere, but all their efforts were in vain.
And then they decided that they could become parents to other children. Once this decision was made, the couple began preparing for a trip to the neighboring region, where an orphanage was located. They wanted to adopt two girls. Full of hope, they packed their bags when suddenly something unexpected happened: Olga suddenly vomited from the smell of the cutlets she had just packed.
The trip had to be postponed. Instead of the road, they headed to the clinic. And there they received a real surprise—the doctor informed them that Olga was pregnant! At sixteen weeks! Pyotr nearly jumped for joy—such news completely shocked him. At the registration desk, they almost called security because he was uncontrollably knocking brochures off the tables, as though scattering roses.
From that day on, the family’s life changed dramatically. Pyotr became almost obsessed with his wife’s health. He ran all over the supermarket, checked product ingredients, only bought natural, eco-friendly items. Of course! His wife was a teacher with higher education and twenty years of experience!
A few weeks later, another joy arrived—an ultrasound showed twins! The pregnancy was not easy, as her age took its toll, and Olga spent most of the time on bed rest. But it was all worth it—at the right moment, two charming twin girls were born.
The parents named them after their grandmothers—Katya and Anya. The girls grew up healthy, calm, and trouble-free. Even at an early age, their development surpassed that of their peers. Their parents were proud of each of their achievements.
Despite their external similarity, the sisters had different personalities. Katya was energetic, active, swam, and achieved an adult-level rank. People were drawn to her, especially the opposite sex. Andrei, her boyfriend, won her heart with his sincerity and confidence. They quickly hit it off, started communicating, and then announced their engagement to their families.
Anya, however, was quite different. A homebody who loved books and nature, she preferred solitude. She didn’t seek out friends, content with the company of her family and her beloved sister. However, her passion became cooking—she turned the simplest ingredients into true culinary masterpieces. Her sister teased her:
— Tell me, how is it possible to eat and still keep your figure?
Another big passion of hers was animals. She constantly brought home injured kittens, birds with broken wings, or scared hedgehogs. It was like a mobile shelter. And her best friend became Grom—a huge Alabai, given to her on her birthday three years ago. The puppy, once a fluffy little ball, had grown into a large dog, who became her loyal protector and closest companion.
Although the Alabai is a serious dog, Grom didn’t live up to his name. He didn’t bark aggressively, didn’t guard territory—he greeted everyone with joy, especially Andrei. He would just laugh:
— Alright, alright, not now, you silly!
The dog wagged his short tail happily and ran to his owner—he truly loved guests.
But today was not a day for games. Katya and Andrei had submitted an application to the registry office. There were many things to discuss— with the parents, relatives, and organizing a video call with the groom’s side. The wedding was a big event, and everyone wanted to contribute.
Summer had begun, and the wedding was just around the corner. Andrei spoiled his fiancée with flowers, gifts, and little trinkets. Katya was preparing for her new life—after the wedding, they planned to move to another city, into an apartment gifted by her father-in-law.
The day before important decisions, the couple, along with Anya, went to a restaurant to discuss the menu and banquet hall decorations. They couldn’t do it without the gastronomist sister. Andrei started the car, but then something strange happened—Grom, usually good-natured, suddenly attacked the wheels, scratching the tires, barking as though he sensed danger. Pyotr Alekseyevich went out and tried to pull the dog away, putting on his leash.
Katya smiled at her sister:
— You’ve spoiled him! He doesn’t leave your side for a moment!
Anya remained silent. Something was bothering her. But for her sister’s sake, she decided to ignore the worry. She waved out the window and smiled at Grom as the car slowly began to move.
A long howl could be heard from behind. A tear rolled down the dog’s cheek. Pyotr shivered—he had never seen a dog cry before…
Andrei drove confidently and skillfully. Katya wasn’t scared at all as the speedometer needle crept toward the «100» mark. Behind them, Anya and the bride chatted cheerfully, laughing as if they were just going on a regular trip. Andrei slowed down a bit—there was a dangerous turn ahead. It was summer, a nice road, why drive slowly? The car easily curved into the bend of the road.
And then, suddenly, a timber truck appeared! The trailer with the load swayed from side to side, the driver desperately tried to regain control, but it was too late. The huge truck literally crushed the silver sedan, turning it into a crumpled heap of metal.
Some time later, rescuers, police, and paramedics arrived at the crash site. Two bodies lay on the side of the road, carefully packed in black bags. The remains of the young people were pulled from the wrecked car. The doctors were hurrying, the sirens were wailing, and the ambulance rushed to the hospital—they were still trying to save Anya. But she never woke up.
The timber truck driver, an elderly man, sat by the side of the road, holding his head in his hands, rocking back and forth:
— What have I done… old fool… I killed them… I killed them…
He had been working without rest, almost without sleep. He had fallen asleep at the wheel. And everything turned upside down.
Instead of a wedding—funerals. It’s hard to imagine anything worse. All the relatives stood frozen like statues, unable to cry. Only the earth, falling onto the coffin lid, tore at the heart. Katya’s mother nearly threw herself into the grave—only just stopped. Andrei’s father trembled with grief. His wife couldn’t come—she was struck down by the shock.
The Leskovs were left with only one daughter. But it didn’t bring joy—Anya was in a deep coma, connected to machines. The former beauty, intellect, and athlete—now a «vegetable,» devoid of any response. The parents were crushed with grief. Even their relatives were afraid to approach them—their suffering was too heavy.
Hope for a recovery was fading. Only one person didn’t give up—doctor Vitaly Ozerev. He was special: determined, stubborn, and believing in miracles. He sought opportunities where others saw dead ends. His colleagues shook their heads:
— Did he really fall in love?
And indeed, he had fallen in love with Anya at first sight—with this fragile girl lying with her eyes closed, like Sleeping Beauty, who needed to be awakened.
Vitaly called a board of specialists. Opinions were divided: some said it was cruel, others said there was still a chance. The final decision was made by the oldest doctor, who quietly said:
— Let him try.
Vitaly explained to the parents: a new drug, an expensive operation, but this was the only way to save Anya. He spoke with such confidence that Olga Sergeevna agreed almost immediately. Pyotr Alekseyevich sold the car, the equipment, everything valuable they had to raise the necessary funds.
— Better to lose things than lose her, — he said, wiping away a tear.
Patting Grom, the sick, thin dog, he added:
— Hold on too, boy… You’re her friend…
The operation took place, but it didn’t bring any results. Vitaly ripped off his gloves, hiding his tears. He didn’t want anyone to see his weakness—a strong, grown man sobbing in a corner. It was all in vain…
The parents lost their last hope. They no longer had money and were preparing to turn off the machines. They walked down the hallway, leaning on each other, like two old people who had lost the meaning of life.
— I left the pills at home. Don’t be angry… I probably won’t return after this, — whispered Pyotr.
— I know. But at least let Grom see her. She can’t die alone…
But Ozerev didn’t give up. He was ready to sell everything, borrow, take out a loan—anything to give Anya a chance. He was waiting for the parents to convince them to continue fighting.
When he entered the room, something incredible was happening. Anya lay with her eyes open. Grom was jumping excitedly by her side, howling with joy. She whispered:
— Grom… I heard you… Hi…
Everyone froze. The monitors came to life, showing weak but alive signals. Vitaly stood frozen in the doorway. Behind him, his sister ran in, then a guard, then everyone who had chased the dog through the hospital crowded at the door.
Anya began to recover. Grom gained weight, ate for three, and became lively and noisy again. Olga Sergeevna didn’t know whether to cry or laugh with joy. Vitaly cared for his patient—as a doctor and as a man in love with her. He gave her flowers, brought food, which he had cooked himself.
One day, Anya tried his salad and smiled:
— Seriously, aren’t you opening a restaurant? I’d hire you! Although… maybe I cook better?
— Maybe, — laughed Vitaly. — But you still love me.
He proposed. She said “yes.”
They kissed, and Grom, happily grinning, tried to wedge himself between them with his wet, happy kisses.
