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 gather your things. If you leave, let me know. Ill stay with my mother while I ready an apartment for the baby and his mother. And dont be surprisedmy new girlfriend is pregnant! Three days, Anna!
Anna sat silent, feeling the ground slip beneath her. What could she possibly answer? For five years they had tried for a child, but three pregnancies ended in tragedy. Doctors had assured her she was healthy, yet something always went wrong. She lived a careful life, especially during the pregnancies. The last time, she fainted at work and the ambulance arrived too late
Mihai slammed the door behind him, and Anna, exhausted, collapsed onto the couch. She had no strength left to pack anything. Where could she go? Before marrying, she had lived with her aunt, who had since died and whose flat her cousin had sold. Return to the village of Frasin, to her grandmothers house? Rent a place? What about the job? The questions swirled, while time kept slipping by.
In the morning the front door opened and her motherinlaw, Elena Vasilievna, stepped inside.
Cant sleep? Good, youre not, she said sharply. Im here to make sure you dont take anything that isnt yours.
Im not planning to steal your sons old socks, Anna snapped. Are you going to inventory my stuff?
Youre such a cheeky one! You used to be so gentle. I was the one who told Mihai after his first pregnancy that youd never be able to bear a child.
What are you trying to say? Then shut up and mind your own business.
Why are you taking the job? Elena asked, alarmed.
Its mine, inherited from my aunt, a memory of her.
Itll be empty without it!
Thats not my concern. At least youll have a grandchild.
Just take what belongs to you!
The laptop, the coffee maker, the microwave are gifts from coworkers. I bought the car before the wedding. Your son has his own things.
You have everything you need, but youll never have children!
Thats not your business. It seems thats how God wanted it.
You dont feel any remorse? Maybe you did this on purpose?
Youre talking nonsense. I cant even think about it without hurting.
Anna looked aroundher belongings had vanished. The brush, makeup, slippers She realized something crucial was missing: the little cat statue her grandmother had given her. Inside it hid a secret compartment with earrings and a ringnot valuable, but dear to her heart. Mihai had dismissed it as trivial. Had he tossed it? Anna opened the balcony door.
What are you doing out there? Elena shouted. Take your things and leave!
Anna found the cat, everything intact, and finally could go.
Here are the keys, goodbye. I hope we never meet again.
She headed to the office. She was on medical leave but requested a vacation.
Well support you, her boss said. But its hard without you. Will three weeks be enough?
Anna closed her eyes, feeling Pavels hand gently squeeze hers, knowing that after all the pain, a new chapter of her life was just beginning.
