A shattered heart of hope: the path to a new happiness
Anna, its over between us! Mihai said coldly. I want a real family, children. You cant give me that. Ive filed for divorce. You have three days to pack your things. If you leave, give me a sign. Ill stay at my mothers until I set up an apartment for the child and his mother. And dont be surprisedmy new girlfriend is pregnant! Three days, Anna! Family games
Anna stayed silent, feeling the ground slip from under her feet. What could she answer? They had spent five years trying for a baby, but three pregnancies ended in tragedy. Doctors had assured her she was healthy, yet something always went wrong. Anna lived healthily and was extra careful during each pregnancy. The last time, she fainted at work and the ambulance never arrived in time
Mihai slammed the door behind him, and a exhausted Anna collapsed onto the couch. She had no strength to gather anything. Where could she go? Before marriage she lived with her aunt, who had died, and her cousin had sold that apartment. Return to the village of Frasin, to her grandmothers house? Rent a place? And what about work? The questions swirled in her mind while time slipped by.
In the morning the door opened and her motherinlaw, Elena Vasilievna, stepped inside.
Cant sleep? Good, you shouldnt, she said dryly. Im here to make sure you dont take anything that isnt yours.
Im not planning to steal your sons old socks, Anna retorted. Are you trying to inventory my belongings?
Youre so cheeky! You were so gentle before. I told Mihai after the first pregnancy that youd never be able to bear a child.
Is that what youre saying now? Then shut up and keep watch.
Why are you taking the job? the motherinlaw asked, alarmed.
Its mine, inherited from my aunta memory of her.
It will be empty here without it!
Its not my problem. At least youll have a grandson.
Take only what belongs to you!
The laptop, the coffee maker, and the microwave are gifts from colleagues. I bought the car before the wedding. Your son has his own things.
You have everything you need, but you cant have children!
Thats none of your business. It seems God wanted it that way.
Arent you sorry? Maybe you did it on purpose?
Youre talking nonsense. I cant even think about it without hurting.
Anna looked aroundher things had vanished: the brush, makeup, slippers Shed forgotten something important. Her motherinlaws presence unnerved her. She remembered the little cat figurine, a keepsake from her grandmother. Inside it was a hidden compartment with earrings and a ring not valuable, but dear to her heart. Mihai had dismissed it as trivial. Had he thrown it away? Anna opened the balcony.
What are you doing out there? her motherinlaw shouted. Take your stuff and leave!
She found the cat, everything intact. Now she could go.
Here are the keys. Goodbye. I hope we never meet again.
Anna headed to the office. She was on medical leave but requested a vacation.
Were with you, her boss said. But its hard without you. Will three weeks be enough? Stay in
Anna closed her eyes, feeling Pavels hand gently squeeze hers, knowing that after all the pain, her new life was just beginning.
