For two hours Kateryna had been waiting in line outside Baba Ninas hut. The village witch was her last hope. For years the young woman had tried to carry a child, but for reasons she could not understand pregnancy never succeeded. I dont even know what to tell you The tests are perfect, no pathologies at all, the doctor shrugged. There must be some explanation. If Im completely healthy, why cant I bear a child? Kateryna asked, desperate. I dont know. Medicine is powerless here. Perhaps you should go to church, the physician murmured.
Kateryna and Dmitri had been married five years. Their life was comfortable: they owned a home, had enough money, love and understanding. The only thing missing was the sound of childrens laughter filling their spacious house. Kateryna had long suspected a curse hanging over the couple, and the gynecologists words only confirmed her fears.
Church is fine, but in your case you need a sorceress! a friend advised, scribbling an address. Dont waste timego now, the sooner the better.
Finally Katerynas turn came. She hesitantly stepped into the low wooden cottage and was greeted by a frail, pretty old woman in a white kerchief and a colorful dress. Kateryna had never visited such a person before and had imagined the witch to be frighteningperhaps with fangs and a black cat on her shoulder.
Welcome, child. Sit by the icon, the woman said in a soft, warm voice.
Doctor, I have this problem Kateryna began, then burst into tears.
I know everything, dear, and Ill help as best I can, Baba Nina replied calmly.
Kateryna took a seat on a cushioned stool near a large icon of the Mother of God. The old lady began to pray, waving a candle around Kateryna. The ritual lasted about twenty minutes. When it ended, Nina sat opposite her, taking her hand.
You wont be able to give birth until you lift the curse that has rested on you since childhood, she said evenly.
What curse? Who cursed me? Ive never harmed anyone
You are not the one. Your mother took a terrible sin onto her soul, and you are paying for it, the witch explained.
Thats unfair! My mother died long agowhy should I suffer for her sins?
Its the law of the universe. We cannot fight it
Will you help me? Kateryna asked, hopeful.
No. I have no power here. If you had a hex or an evil eye, perhaps, but you dont, Nina shook her head. You must discover against whom your mother sinned and try to atone for it. Most importantly, pray sincerelynot only for yourself but also for your enemies.
Thank you, Kateryna whispered.
She got into her car and called her husband.
Dima? I wont be home today. I have to visit my aunt urgently. Everything later, love.
Kateryna drove toward the village.
Katya! Why didnt you warn me? I was going to heat the bath! Aunt Glafira shouted, relieved to hear her niece.
Im on business, Kateryna cut her off. You must tell me the truth. What did my mother do? What sins am I paying for?
What makes you think I know? Glafira stammered.
Kateryna recounted the visit to the witch, repeating the whole conversation.
Who would have guessed Listen, Glafira began. She told her niece that Katerynas mother, Zinaida, had been the villages first beauty. Many suitors pursued her, but she fell for a married man. Without remorse she took Vasily away from his family. Vasilys wife, Maria, was left alone with a newborn son.
Maria, devastated, went to Zinaida on her knees begging for her husbands return. Zinaida dismissed her and mocked her. In desperation, Maria cursed Zinaida and her unborn children.
What happened next? Kateryna whispered, horrified.
Your mother married Vasily, then you were born. But none of them lived long; they died one after another. Its almost mysticalMarias curse must have worked. Thats why you cant conceive now. Aunt Glafira gestured wildly.
Is Maria still in the village? I want to ask forgiveness for my parents sins.
Marias fate isnt better. After some time she went mad. She was once gentle, but one day she attacked the first passerby; people barely restrained her. She was placed in a mental asylum, and her son Lenya was sent to an orphanage.
Lenya is already an adult? Hes a couple of years older than meso hes my halfbrother? Kateryna guessed.
Yes. His life also fell apart, Glafira sighed. After the orphanage he returned home, started drinking and causing trouble. Then he disappeared in winter, was found the next day, saved, but his legs couldnt be repaired. Now he uses a wheelchair.
So thats it Mother not only stole a husband but also ruined innocent lives.
Exactly, Glafira agreed.
Aunt, take me to my brother. I need to see him, Kateryna said firmly.
Youre crazy! Hes constantly drinking, who knows whats in his head. Go home, dont waste time!
No. If you wont, someone will tell me where to find Leonid, Kateryna replied, standing.
Fine, go then. But blame yourself later! Glafira shouted, pulling on her coat.
They walked along a snowcovered path to Leonids house. The yard was surrounded by a decayed wooden fence, and the shack was hardly a home. No electricity ran inside; a small grimy window showed the flicker of a kerosene lamp. Kateryna knocked timidly on the window.
Its not locked, a hoarse male voice answered.
Katya, if anything happens, Im here. Shout! Aunt Glafira whispered.
Kateryna nodded and entered through the open door. The air reeked of cheap tobacco and wine. Cigarette butts and empty bottles littered the floor. In a wheelchair sat a man of indeterminate age, and curled on the table was a pristine white catthe only bright spot in the gloomy hut.
A cat is sleeping on the table, Kateryna said, unsure where to begin.
None of your business! The White One rules here, Lenya muttered, his foggy eyes trying to focus on the stranger. What do you want? If youre with social services, get out! Im not going to a shelter!
No, Im here for another reason. My name is Kateryna, Im your halfsister, she blurted.
So thats it a little sister shows up! Leonid scoffed. What do you need? Inheritance? The house belongs to my mother!
Lenya, I came to ask forgiveness. How can I help you? Kateryna asked. Leonid laughed cruelly, his gaze full of pain and resignation. The longer she looked at him, the more she saw her fathers features.
Do you have a hundred rubles? he suddenly asked.
Kateryna opened her purse and placed five hundred rubles on the table.
Thanks. Youre free now, Ive forgiven you. If you ever need to apologize again, just come back! Leonid chuckled.
Maybe a doctor? Or any medicine you need? Kateryna tried to think of something else.
Thanks, thats enough. Now go, I need to sleep.
She left the shack, tears blurring her vision, stunned by the grim state of her brother.
Did you talk? Aunt Glafira ran after her.
Yes
He forgave you? the aunt pressed.
Yes! Thank you for your help. Ill go home now.
What about staying the night? Its dark out, Glafira suggested.
No, I must go to the city, Kateryna lied.
She just wanted to be alone. The flood of information from that day needed time to settle.
The following week she drifted, thoughts of Leonid haunting her day and night. She realized she was the only living relative left for the unfortunate man. Unsure what to do, Kateryna decided to visit a church. After the service she prayed sincerely for all her enemies, just as Baba Nina had taught her.
The weight is heavy on you, my daughter? the priest asked.
Kateryna looked around, realizing she was alone in the nave.
May I disturb you? she whispered.
Perhaps confession would lift your heart.
She broke down, recounting everything to the priest without holding back.
What can I say? the priest mused. The witch was wrongchildren cannot atone for parents sins. Her only correct advice was about prayer. You must always pray, not only for loved ones but also for those who hurt you.
How should I deal with my brother? I want to bring him out of the village, but I fear my husband wont understand.
Follow your conscience and the call of your heart.
The next day Kateryna drove back to Leonids. This time she was determined.
What do you want? Money? the man growled.
He was sober but angry, clearly feeling miserable.
No, I wont give you anything, she replied.
Come with me. No objections! Im your sister, I cant watch you ruin yourself. If Im useless to you, youre needed by me. I have no other family.
Where are we going? Leonid asked, bewildered by her forcefulness.
First to a hospital, then to my home. I have a twostorey house with a big gardenplenty of space for everyone.
Leonid stared, unsure how to answer. Part of him was tired of his miserable life; part of him didnt know his sister at all.
Deal with me: if you dont like it, Ill bring you back at once. No one will force you to stay.
One condition! the man said seriously. The White One must come with me! He nodded toward the cat.
No problem! Ive always wanted a cat! Kateryna smiled.
Three months later Leonid had settled into the new home. He turned out to be kind and cheerful, developing a strong interest in computers and deciding to study programming.
Leonid, tomorrow the prosthetics will arrive from Germany. In a few months youll be on your feet again! Dmitri patted his shoulder.
Thank you! I never imagined Id walk again, the young man wept.
Its all Katyas doing Im so glad she found her brother, Dmitri said, beaming.
Six months later Dmitri and Leonid stood by the window of a maternity ward, watching newborn twins. Kateryna proudly showed the babies to her husband and brother.
Soon well have a lively house! Dmitri laughed.
So, uncle, ready for two nephews?
Always ready! Leonid replied, smiling. Well manage!
