He paced the hospital corridor, awaiting fates verdict, when the door swung open… A dog pulled her out of the coma.
The Leskov family had endured years of misfortune. For so long, they had no children. Olga Sergeevna, poor thing, tried everythingdozens of clinics, monasteries, pilgrimages to holy sites, even a trip to Jerusalem. Her husband, Pyotr, stood by her always, a true knight, accompanying her everywherebut all efforts were in vain.
Then they resolved to become parents to others children. With this decision made, they prepared to travel to a nearby region, to an orphanage, intending to adopt two girls. Packing their bags, full of hope, they were interrupted by the unexpected: Olga suddenly gagged at the smell of the cutlets she had just packed.
The trip was postponed. Instead, they went to the clinicwhere they received a stunning surprise. The doctor announced Olga was pregnantsixteen weeks along! Pyotr nearly leaped for joy; the news left him in shock. At the reception desk, they almost called securityhe kept knocking over pamphlets like scattered roses.
From that day, their lives changed. Pyotr became obsessive about Olgas health, scouring supermarket labels for organic, eco-friendly products. His wife, after all, was a highly educated teacher with twenty years of experience!
Weeks later, more joyan ultrasound revealed twins! The pregnancy was difficult; age played a role, and Olga spent most of it bedridden. But it was worth itwhen the time came, two beautiful twin girls were born.
Named after their grandmothers, Katya and Anya grew up healthy and bright, surpassing their peers early on. Pride swelled with each milestone.
Despite their identical looks, their personalities diverged. Katya was energetic, a competitive swimmer with a magnetic charm, especially to men. Her fiancé, Andrei, won her heart with sincerity and confidence. They quickly grew close, announcing their engagement.
Anya was differenthomebound, bookish, content with solitude. Her passion was cooking; from simple ingredients, she crafted gourmet meals. Katya teased, “How do you eat like that and stay so thin?”
Her other love was animals. She brought home wounded kittens, birds, even a frightened hedgehoga mobile shelter. Her closest companion was Grom, an Alabai gifted three years prior. Once a fluffy pup, hed grown into a massive, gentle guardian who adored everyoneespecially Andrei, who laughed, “Alright, alright, not now, you big oaf!”
But today was no time for play. Katya and Andrei had just filed their marriage papers. There was much to discussparents, relatives, video calls with the grooms side. The wedding loomed, and everyone wanted to contribute.
Summer arrived, the wedding nearing. Andrei spoiled Katya with flowers and gifts. They planned to move post-wedding to a city apartment gifted by his father.
On the eve of decisions, the couple and Anya went to finalize banquet detailsAnyas culinary expertise was essential. Andrei started the car, but Grom, usually docile, suddenly lunged at the tires, barking madly, as if sensing danger. Pyotr hooked the dogs collar, dragging him away.
Katya grinned, “Youve spoiled him! Wont let you out of his sight!”
Anya stayed quiet, uneasybut brushed it off for her sister. She waved at Grom through the window as the car pulled away.
Behind them, a long howl. A tear rolled down the dogs muzzle. Pyotr shiveredhed never seen a dog cry.
Andrei drove expertly, the speedometer hitting 100. Katya wasnt scared, while Anya and her sister chatted cheerfully. Slowing for a sharp turn, the car slid smoothlyuntil a lumber truck swerved into their path. The driver, exhausted, had dozed off. The massive rig crushed the sedan into scrap metal.
Rescuers arrived to find two bodies in black bags. Doctors rushed Anyas mangled remains to the hospitalbut she never woke.
The truck driver sat sobbing, rocking. “What have I done killed them”
Instead of a weddingfunerals. Relatives stood numb, grief-stricken. Katyas mother nearly leaped into the grave; Andreis father trembled, his wife felled by a stroke.
The Leskovs had one daughter leftAnya, now a coma-bound shell. Crushed, her parents barely spoke, their suffering too profound.
Only one refused to give upDr. Vitaly Ozervo. Determined, stubborn, he saw hope where others saw none. Colleagues whispered, “Is he in love?”
He was. To him, Anya was Sleeping Beautywaiting to wake.
A council debated: some called his plan cruel, others saw a chance. The deciding vote camean old doctor whispered, “Let him try.”
Vitaly convinced Anyas parentsexpensive surgery, experimental drugs, their only hope. Pyotr sold everything. “Better lose possessions than her,” he said, patting Grom, frail from mourning.
The surgery failed. Vitaly hid his tears, but hope dwindled. Her parents, resigned, prepared to unplug her.
Yet he persistedready to beg, borrow, anything for another chance.
Then, the impossible: Anyas eyes fluttered open. Grom yelped joyfully beside her. “Grom I heard you Hi”
Monitors flickered to life. Vitaly stood frozen as staff crowded in.
Anya recovered. Grom regained his vigor. Olga didnt know whether to laugh or cry. Vitaly fussed over Anyaas both doctor and smitten man.
One day, tasting his salad, Anya grinned, “You should open a restaurant! Though maybe Im better?”
“Maybe,” he chuckled. “But you love me anyway.”
He proposed. She said yes.
As they kissed, Grom wedged between them, showering them with sloppy, happy licks.
