Andrey’s wife, Nina, lay on her deathbed, her voice frail but determined.
“Andrey, promise me you’ll look after Larisa,” she begged. “You know how sick she is. She needs care, constant care. Just two more years, please. Don’t abandon her.”
Andrey nodded, but his heart wasn’t in it. Inwardly, he hoped this obligation would soon come to an end. When Nina first fell ill, Andrey had been shocked, then hopeful she’d recover. But as her health declined, his patience thinned. The added responsibility of Larisa, Nina’s perpetually unwell teenage daughter, only weighed on him more. She wasn’t even his biological child, just a shadow lurking in her room, a constant reminder of the family he’d inherited through marriage.
As time passed, Andrey grew restless. He longed for a normal life, a partner who wasn’t a living skeleton tethered to a sickbed. Thoughts of leaving Nina crossed his mind, but he feared public judgment. When the doctor gave her less than a year to live, Andrey decided to endure.
The reward for his patience was a large four-room apartment that Nina had inherited from her late husband. The only problem was Larisa. Andrey believed it wouldn’t be hard to rid himself of her without any “trouble.”
When Nina passed away, her funeral was a small, somber affair. Andrey noticed how isolated they’d become during her illness. There were no close friends to console him, only strangers.
It was at the funeral that Andrey met Liza, a carefree woman in her thirties who had a lightness about her that was infectious. After offering her a ride home, Andrey learned she had just left a toxic relationship. Her playful, breezy attitude stood in stark contrast to his grim life. It wasn’t long before he fell for her.
Within weeks, Liza had moved into the apartment. But Larisa, confined mostly to the couch due to her illness, quickly became a problem. She was sarcastic and cold to Liza, lingering in their presence with biting remarks. One day, Liza had enough.
“It’s either her or me,” she declared, folding her arms.
Andrey stared at her, dumbfounded. “What do you want me to do about it?”
“You could get rid of her,” Liza said, her voice icy.
“You’re suggesting I kill her?” Andrey asked, horrified.
Liza rolled her eyes. “Relax, I’m not asking for anything drastic. Don’t you have a house somewhere in the countryside? You mentioned it once, didn’t you?”
Andrey nodded. “Nina inherited it. We talked about selling it, but it was never worth the effort.”
“Well, take her there. Tell everyone the fresh air will help her recover. Leave her with a sitter or something. It’s not like she’s going to survive for long. And when she’s… gone, we’ll sell the house.”
Andrey hesitated but eventually agreed. Three days later, he had everything arranged.
“Larisa, we’re going to the countryside,” he announced.
“Why?” she asked suspiciously.
“The doctor recommended fresh air and sunshine. It’ll be good for your health.”
Larisa smirked. “The doctor? Or your new girlfriend?”
Andrey bristled. “Why do you hate her so much? She only wants to help you!”
“Right. Just like you helped my mom.”
Andrey ignored her jab, busying himself with packing. Larisa even insisted on taking an old doll with her. Sixteen years old, and she still clung to childhood trinkets.
The drive was long, and Andrey was tired. At a roadside market, while stretching his legs, he noticed an old woman chatting with Larisa. She held a basket of dried herbs, explaining their medicinal properties.
“You can’t cure his disease with any herb,” the old woman said suddenly, glancing at Andrey.
“What disease?” he snapped.
“Cowardice and greed,” she replied bluntly.
Incensed, Andrey marched back to the car.
As they arrived at the countryside house, Andrey was struck by its size and beauty. Surrounded by a lake, a forest, and quiet village life, it was a hidden gem. The thought of its resale value thrilled him.
The old woman, Alena, followed them in, agreeing to stay as Larisa’s caretaker. Once everything was unpacked, Andrey left without saying goodbye.
“She brought me here to die,” Larisa admitted to Alena once Andrey was gone.
“We’ll see about that,” Alena replied.
Alena’s care and the natural surroundings worked wonders. The fresh air, wholesome food, and herbal remedies began to restore Larisa’s strength. Over time, she bonded with the villagers, especially Dima, a kind young man who often helped around the house.
Two years later, Andrey was drowning in debt and remembered the countryside house. Driving out with Liza, he planned to sell it. To his shock, the property was well-maintained, with smoke rising from the chimney and fresh paths cleared in the snow.
As they approached, Larisa and Dima skied toward them.
“Look who’s here!” Larisa said with a smirk. “What do you want?”
“Larisa? How are you—” Andrey stammered.
“Alive?” she finished for him. “Thanks to Alena and Dima, I’ve done just fine without you. This is my home now. You’re not welcome here.”
Defeated, Andrey turned back toward his car. Liza followed, fuming.
From the house, Alena watched with a smile. “Well, looks like they didn’t stay long.”
Larisa kissed her cheek. “Come on, Alena, let’s eat. You know how much I love your pancakes.”
