She was 9. Hospital. Two girls from the neighborhood: 7-year-old Hope, and 9-year-old Ida. The front door opened and a nurse brought in a small package:
– Girls, we have a new one. She is only 6 months old. Her name is Lisa.
The girl rarely cried, but you could hear “mom” in her cries. Neighbors in the ward did everything possible to encourage the baby. Lisa’s face lit up with a smile every time.
All evening her neighbors sat on the windowsills and waited for their parents. But for some reason no one came to Lisa. That evening, everyone was lying in their beds when a conversation was heard from behind the door.
-Her mother had abandoned her.
“How is this possible?” – Maria’s head was ringing. She jumped out of bed and rushed barefoot to the nurse’s desk.
– Why did they refuse? – the child shouted. And the nurse explained everything.
Having regained consciousness, Maria returned to the ward. She took the girl in her arms and carried her to her crib. The nurses told Maria’s mother everything.
– Daughter, you can lose the child!
– No, mom, let’s take her. I’ll take care of her. Please. Let’s just take her and get her out of here.
Years passed. The younger sister Lisa helped Maria in everything – to bring up her sister’s little daughter. Maria’s husband was often away for months at a time, and if it wasn’t for Lisa, Maria doesn’t know how she would have managed the household chores.
