Olesya got off the bus, walking as if she were very weary.
The path had been quiet, her tears the only way her feelings showed. All her strength left her after Andrey died. She planned to keep going for only two more months, while she was pregnant with their daughter.
It was two years after leaving the orphanage that they met each other. Living was hard—during the day at school and at night working at the factory. She was no stranger to hard exertion. Once Andrey introduced new equipment at the factory, they watched over each other and were unseparable.
Olesya learned she was going to have a baby and right then, Andrey asked her to marry him. He hoped to bring her home and start their relationship as a family.
Olesya, after experiencing years of rejection, worried his wealthy family would never accept her life story. Even though he didn’t understand what was making her anxious, she still wasn’t ready herself.
About three months ago, Andrey traveled to see his family, saying he hoped to return very soon.
It took days for her to wait, then weeks.
While people were saying he’d left her behind, she trusted they were wrong. Not him.
It happened by chance that she heard a colleague mention the man who set up their equipment had passed away at work.
Going in a trance, she went to the accountant’s office, where the older woman explained: Andrey was attacked by three men after he got home last night. I never saw him return.
She was completely devastated. The pain ate away at everything inside her.
Now, the rain helped guide her, as she walked carefully over the cemetery searching for his grave. It was time for her to leave. Perhaps it’s time to forgive herself too. He made sure his family knew her was coming, but she became so worried that she stayed away.
The grave where he lay was still covered in blooms. Just a little way from the gate, an ancient mausoleum was found. On the cross above his head was a photo of Jesus smiling.
She whispered to me with tenderness, knelt by my side and said, “Hi, my love.” I started crying right away and didn’t want it to stop.
After being soaked and then cooled, she regained movement.
Her phone was gone. She had to find shelter. After unbolting and pushing open the crypt door, she went in.
I am sorry. I am just going to take a rest for a little.”
The woman sat just inside the room and left the door cracked open. There was a sudden stir after that. Nearby, a slim and unfamiliar looking phone was vibrating.
She slowly picked up the letter and trembled as she did. “Hello?”
I heard someone speaking back to me. The phone belongs to me; you can use it. I had a meltdown yesterday.
I just came across it.
Is it possible to return it? This one is on me—there’s valuable work on it.”
She told me softly, “I’m at the cemetery.”
“Oh, right. I spent yesterday at work there. Seems like I didn’t bring it.
I wasn’t really well, so I—
She threw the phone to the floor. Suddenly, I couldn’t see anything at all.
Someone gently shook the woman to reuse. “Miss! Are you doing okay today?”
I had not thought of this before, but it was Dima—Andrey’s brother. He knew instantly who she was after hearing Andrey’s accounts. Quickly, he placed her in the car and phoned home.
I discovered Andrey’s girlfriend next to his grave.
“Bring her to the clinic,” Nina said. “I’ll be there when you get there.”
In the clinic, Olesya came to find Nina and Dima beside her in the morning. She automatically moved away.
She said calmly, “I am Andrey’s mother.”
I wasn’t asking for help. I just wanted to say my last goodbye, she said barely above a whisper.
Would you please tell me more about you and my son?
There was nothing she didn’t tell me. Nina asked after I finished, “Why didn’t you join him?”
She allowed, “I was really afraid.”
I was raised in an orphanage. I wasn’t sure how others in your family would accept my announcement.
Nina said gently, “You’ve met people who are wrong for you.” That’s not something I do. Rest now. We’ll have our conversation tomorrow.
Later on, Nina and Dima cleared out Olesya’s apartment. Photos showing her and Andrey smiling and looking happy were part of the discovery. Tears came to Nina’s eyes.
“He was so in love with her,” Mary added. “We’ll support her and the baby during this time.”
Dima nodded. “Of course.”
In two years’ time…
“Karinochka! Come and see Grandma!” She called out, her arms wide open. His granddaughter rushed to her and Olesya looked on smiling. She was now in the city center, learning law and Nina and a nanny were supporting her.
There was something about Eva that made Nina sense she was hesitant.
“Olesya, I’d like to talk to you.”
She seemed hesitant and just nodded.
Are you in love with Dima?
“I do.”
And he always loves you. What’s the issue here?
Olesya hesitated. “It’s Andrey… I still think I’m being unfaithful to him.
She had a firm manner, but still spoke to Tasha gently. “He’s gone. But you’re still here. Andrey gave you love and brought you a child. Now your future is secured. Living things should be buried with other living things.
As Nina walked away, she didn’t speak. Olesya spent a moment studying her phone.
Just then, she slowly accessed Dima’s contact and typed out a message for him.
“I’m ready.”