Ana, 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 with my mother until I set up the apartment for the baby and his mother. And dont be surprisedmy new girlfriend is pregnant! Three days, Ana!
Ana stayed silent, feeling the ground slip away beneath her. What could she possibly answer? For five years they had tried to have a child, yet three pregnancies ended in tragedy. Doctors had assured her she was healthy, but something always went wrong. She lived a wholesome life and was especially careful during the pregnancies. The last time she even fainted at work, and the ambulance never arrived in time
Mihai slammed the door behind him, and a devastated Ana collapsed onto the couch. She had no strength left to gather anything. Where could she go? Before marriage she had lived with her aunt, who had since died, and the apartment was sold by her cousin. Should she return to the village of Frasin, to her grandmothers house? Rent a place? And what about a job? The questions swirled in her mind while time kept ticking.
In the morning the front door opened and her motherinlaw, Elena Vasilievna, stepped inside.
Cant sleep? Good, you shouldnt, she said bluntly. Im here to make sure you dont take anything that isnt yours.
Im not planning to steal your sons old socks, Ana retorted, frowning. Are you going to inventory my things?
What a cheek! You were so gentle once. I was the one who told Mihai after his first pregnancy that youd never be able to bear a child.
So thats what youre here for? Then be quiet and keep watch.
Why are you taking the job? Elena asked, alarmed.
Its mine, inherited from my aunta reminder 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, and the microwave were gifts from colleagues. I bought the car before the wedding. Your son has his own.
You have everything you need, but youll never have children!
Thats none of your business. It seems thats how God intended it.
Dont you feel remorse? Maybe you did this on purpose?
Youre speaking nonsense. I cant even think about it without hurting.
Ana looked aroundher belongings had vanished. The brush, makeup, slippers She had forgotten something important. Her motherinlaws presence was unsettling. She remembered the little cat figurine, a keepsake from her grandmother. Inside it was a hidden compartment containing earrings and a ringnothing valuable, but precious to her heart. Mihai had dismissed it as trivial. Had he thrown it away? Ana opened the balcony door.
What are you doing out there? Elenas voice echoed. Take your things and leave!
She found the cat statue, everything intact. Now she could go.
Here are the keys, goodbye. I hope we never meet again.
Ana went to the office. She was on medical leave but asked for a vacation.
Were here for you, her boss said. But its hard without you. Will three weeks be enough? Stay
Ana closed her eyes and felt Pavels hand gently squeeze hers, realizing that after all the suffering, her new life was just beginning.
