Oksana, Are You Busy? A Mother’s Request, a Midwinter Mishap, and a New Year’s Night That Changed Everything

Annie, are you busy? her mum asks, poking her head around her daughters door.
One minute, Mum! Ill just send this email and come help, Annie replies, not looking up from her laptop.
Weve run out of mayonnaise for the salad. Didnt plan well. And I forgot the dill. Could you pop down to the shop before it closes?
Alright.
Sorry for bothering you. Youve already done your hair. My heads spinning with all the fuss for tonight, her mum sighs.
All done, Annie says, closing her laptop and turning to her mum. What did you need again?
She pulls on her boots and a coat, skipping a hat to keep her hairstyle in place. The shop is just across the road; she wont freeze. Theres a mild frost outside, and powdery snow is fallingjust like a Christmas card.
The shop is nearly empty. Only a few last-minute shoppers are darting about. The only dill left is with a tired-looking bunch of parsley and spring onions. Annie considers phoning her mum to ask if thats all right, but her phone is at home. After a moment, she grabs the sad little mixed herbs, chooses a packet of mayonnaise from the bare shelf, pays, and steps outside.
Shes barely left the shop when a car swings round the corner and dazzles her with its headlights. Annie flinches aside. Her boot slips on the icy curb, concealed by the light snow. Her ankle twists, and she crashes down onto the pavement. Her shopping bag flies away.
When she tries to stand, sharp pain flashes up her ankle and tears prick her eyes. No ones around, and theres no phone. What should she do? She doesnt hear the soft click of a car door behind her.
Are you all right? a young man asks, crouching beside her. Can you stand? Let me give you a hand, he says, offering his hand.
I think Ive broken my ankle, thanks to you! Zooming around in your car and turning the street into an ice rink, Annie sniffs, ignoring his hand.
Thats your own fault. Why are you walking around in heels at this hour, anyway?
Oh, just leave me alone, Annie snaps, her breath catching.
Are you planning to sit here till morning, then? All right, all right, Im not a monster. Where do you live?
Over there. She gestures limply towards the block opposite.
The young man walks off. Annie hears the engine start, and the car reverses to pull up next to her.
Ill lift you up. Try not to put any weight on that foot. One, two, three Before Annie can protest, he hoists her gently upright. She bends her injured foot.
Can you manage? he asks, steadying her with one hand and opening the passenger door with the other. Hold onto me and get in.
My bag! Annie cries, flopping onto the seat.
He retrieves the bag and puts it on the back seat.
At her block, he helps her out and then lifts her up bridal-style, shutting the car door with his foot.
He stops just outside the main door. Keys in your bag? Anyone home?
Mum.
Right, put in the code and ask her to open up.
Theres no lift in their building, so he carries her up three flights. Annie clings around his neck and can hear his breath getting heavier. In the dim landing lights, she sees sweat running down his temple. Serves you right for driving so recklessly, she thinks sourly.
Put me down, I can manage now, Annie whispers when they reach her door.
He doesnt reply, just breathes hard. Suddenly, the door swings open and her mum appears, startled.
Annie? What on earth?
Without a word, the man marches in. Her mum can only step aside in shock as he sets Annie down, gasping for breath.
Bring a chair, please, he says to her frightened mum.
Her mum scurries to the kitchen, and Annie gratefully sinks onto the chair, sticking her injured foot out. The man kneels in front of her.
What is going on? her mum demands.
He ignores her, supporting Annies ankle with one hand and briskly undoing her boots zip with the other. Annie yelps.
Ow! What are you doing? she cries.
Youre hurting her! her mum exclaims, seeing the ankle turning purple and ballooning under Annies tights.
Ill call an ambulance, her mum says frantically.
Its just a sprain. Im a doctor. Go get some ice, quickly, he orders, and her mum rushes off, returning with a frozen chicken wrapped in a bag.
Put it on her ankle. The man stands, grabbing the front door handle.
Youre leaving? Annie asks, anxious.
Im just going to the car for an elastic bandage. Ill get your bag too, he says and slips out.
Did you leave your bag with him? Annie, who is that? her mum asks, kneeling and placing the frozen chicken on her ankle.
He came out of nowhere in his car, I slipped and fell. He brought me home; I dont know anything else.
What if hes a thief? He might vanish with your purse and keys! Should I phone the police before he gets away? her mum whispers.
Oh, Mum, honestly. If he wanted to rob me, he wouldnt have carried me home.
I suppose her mum frowns doubtfully.
Just then, the intercom buzzes.
Thats him. Mum, let him in, Annie pleads.
He enters, surveys the scene, and places her bag on the side table.
Check everythings there, he says, pulling off his coat and kneeling on it.
This will hurt; I need to put the ankle back in place. Grip the chairitll help.
He takes her foot, gently flexing it. Annie groans, biting her lip.
Somethings burning, he says suddenly, glancing at her mum.
She dashes into the kitchen.
The pain is blinding as he sets the joint. Annie can barely see through the agony.
All done, itll feel much better now, he soothes.
Her mum comes rushing back to the hallway and stops dead, staring.
The cookers fine, nothings she starts, but he cuts her off.
Dislocated, thats all. Itll ache for a few days. Dont walk on it, he says, getting to his feet and pulling his coat back on.
Thank yousorry, I was thinking heaven knows what about you her mum says. Please staytheres hardly any time till midnight, youll never get home before the New Year. Everythings ready here, she babbles.
He hesitates for a moment.
Alright, if I wont be in the way.
Of course not! You can help with the bubbly, her mum grins.
Mum! Annie shoots her a look.
Oh, hush. Ill just get the roast out. Young man, could you take Annie to the sitting room? her mum says.
Leaning on his arm, Annie hobbles to the sofa. She tries her foottoe first. Painful, but manageable. Still, it feels good to be close to him, his arm around her waist.
Thank you, she says quietly, sinking into the cushions.
Dont mention itI feel responsible, he replies.
Youre not. I panicked and stepped right onto the ice. Whats your name, anyway?
Well, its William. Should we just call each other by our first names?
Alright. Are you really a doctor?
A surgeon. Id popped into the shop for something he begins, joining her on the sofa.
Your wife must be waiting up for you?
She left me six months ago. Got tired of my long hours, the nights and weekends at hospital. Took our daughter and moved in with her mum.
I must look a right mess, Annie says, embarrassed.
On the contrary
And so the three of them see in the New Year together. The old saying goes, the way you greet the year is how youll spend it.
When William leaves, Annie and her mum get ready for bed. Annie cant sleep, still feeling the warmth of Williams arm, remembering how hed carried her home. His presence lingers, impossible to forget.
By morning, her ankle is even more swollen but she can walk, just. She cant hide her delight when William calls in again. He removes the bandage, examines her swollen foot, and carefully re-wraps it.
All set. Can you put weight on it?
Were using first names, remember. Yes, I can, Annie answers.
Fancy a cuppa? her mum offers.
Next time. Im on call.
Youll visit again? Annie asks quickly.
He just smiles.
Two months in, Annie moves in with William.
Hes not even divorced yet. What if his wife comes back? her mum worries as Annie packs.
She wont. William says shes seeing someone.
I hope youre not rushing this.
It turns out to be a wonderful year. Annie feels jealous when William visits his daughteror sees his wife. Shes seen her picture: beautiful.
Living with him makes Annie understand Williams ex a little betterthe constant hospital calls, nights, and weekends. And all those young nurses. Everyone falls a bit in love with him. But when hes home, Annie couldnt be happier.
A year passes. Despite everything, its still the happiest time Annies known. But William still hasnt divorced. Its the only thing that clouds Annies daysand her mum never stops urging her to have a frank talk. But Annie hesitates.
On New Years Eve, Annie is busy in the kitchen. A twinkling Christmas tree glows in the lounge, and her new dress is laid out upstairs. She checks the roast in the oven when the phone rings. She finds William by the window, murmuring into his mobile.
Alright, Ill be right over, he says before turning to her.
Hospital, again? Annie asks, her voice trembling.
No. My ex called. My daughters crying, wont sleep unless I tuck her in. Ill just nip over there and be back.
Will, its less than three hours to midnight. Annies voice trembles as she fights back tears.
Ill be quick, I promise. Ill put her to bed, give her her present, and come straight back. He kisses her on the cheek and leaves.
Annie tries to persuade herself not to be jealous or upset, but its not working. She finishes preparing, slips on her new dress, and waits. The clock edges closer to midnight, but theres still no sign of William. She doesnt callhe might be drivingbut texts him instead. No reply.
Finally, tired of waiting and worry, Annie stares at the untouched table and blows out the candles. She understands his wife, just a bit. What if her mums right, and William goes back to her? She loves him.
Unable to endure the silence, Annie thinks of Mrs. Jenkins, the elderly lady on the first floorcompletely alone. William once said she’d never married or had children. Annie doesn’t want to greet the New Year by herself either. She fills two containers, one with salad, the other with a slice of cake, and heads downstairs.
It takes a while for Mrs. Jenkins to answer. Annie mumbles her reason for coming, but finally, the door creaks open.
I brought you some salad and cakeI made them myself. I hope you don’t mind me joining you.
Come in, dear, says Mrs. Jenkins.
Shes tiny, frail, but her flat is warm and tidy. Theres no Christmas tree, just a small TV murmuring in the corner.
Annie puts the boxes on the table.
Thank you, love. Pull up a chair whilst I put the kettle on, says Mrs. Jenkins, shuffling into the kitchen.
Youre living with William, arent you? she calls out as they have tea.
I am.
Mrs. Jenkins nods as if satisfied.
His wife always kept to herself. Never said hello. Didnt work, just looked after herself. But youre different. Is he on call at the hospital?
No, visiting his daughter.
Another knowing nod.
Hell come back, dont worry. Hes a good man.
Are you on your own? Annie asks gently.
Ive always been alone. Should have had kidsbut whats the point saying that now? I was in love once. Lost him to my best friend.
How did that happen?
After school, I did nurses training in London. My Michael stayed in the village. One year, after class, I took the coach out to him for New Years. Bus broke down, puncture. No mobiles in those days. Soon dark, the driver went off for help. But I started walkinglove makes you bold, doesnt it? Snow began; a blizzard followed. Id gone too far to turn back, thought Id get there before the bus. Ended up seeing in the New Year right there on the road.
When I finally staggered to Michaels, I had frostbite on my face and fingers. Only a mild frost, but the wind was wicked. Four days I was in bed with a fever. When I woke up, my best mate said Michael was with her nowsaid she was pregnant by him.
He tried to talk to me but I was too proud, sent him away. I moved to London and never saw him again. Decades later, I learnt the truthshe lied about it all. Michael started drinking, froze to death outside his house. He was a good man, the old lady sighs.
So I never married, never loved anyone else. Should have listened then, talked it out, forgiven him. Would have changed everything, Mrs. Jenkins wipes her eyes.
Ive seen you through the window. William never looked happy with her, but with you If you love him, dont let jealousy eat at you. Or bettergo somewhere new together. His ex will never let you live peacefully here. Dont make my mistake. Listen to your heart.
Annie returns to her flat, puts the leftovers away. William comes home only the next day.
Sorry. I dont know how it happened. She must have slipped something in my teaonly just woke up with a splitting headache.
Why wont you divorce her? Do you still love her?
Of course not. If you knew her, you wouldnt ask. I just love my daughter. I know you waited for me Annie, nothing happened, honestly. You believe me?
Annie hugs him, searching his eyes.
Lets move away. Anywherethere are hospitals everywhere, and youre a brilliant surgeon.
I cant talk about this now, my heads pounding. But I do love you.
He sleeps, and Annie lies beside him, thinking of Mrs. Jenkinss words.
His daughters still so little. Kids move on quickly. Theyve been separated more than six months. His ex is orchestrating all of it; maybe all she wants is for me to give up. Shell be disappointed. Ill fight for him. When he wakes up, well talk
Annie switches off the fairy lights, curling up next to William.
Love can be said in a thousand ways, but I love you. I really love you.
When you love someone, forgiveness can cover almost anythingexcept for the moment they stop loving you.