Another Whole Year Together… Arkady Ivanovich hadn’t gone out alone lately—not since the day he wandered to the clinic, forgot his address and even his own name. He’d wandered aimlessly until, by chance, he spotted the familiar clock factory where he’d worked nearly fifty years. He knew the building for certain, but his own identity escaped him, until a friendly tap on the shoulder snapped him back— “It’s you, Ivanich! Uncle Arkady, missing us? We were just reminiscing about our great mentor. Don’t you recognise me? It’s Yura Akulov—thanks to you, I turned out alright!” With those words, memory flooded back, gratefully so. Yura, delighted, offered Arkady a lift home, and from that day on, Natalia Lvovna never let her husband out alone. They walked together to the park, the clinic, and the shop—always side by side. But then Arkady fell ill—fever, fierce cough—and his wife, feeling poorly herself, ventured out alone for medicine and groceries. The simple shopping trip felt like a daunting trek; the weight of the bags heavier than ever. Natalia paused for breath and, finally, set her groceries down in the snow, sinking gently onto the path home. Her last thought: “Why did I buy so much? Old minds don’t think ahead!” Luckily, neighbours came outside, saw Natalia collapsed, called an ambulance, and helped. Natalia was taken to hospital, while neighbours, worried, brought her bag home and knocked at their door. “Arkady must be inside, maybe ill—I haven’t seen him for days,” guessed Nina Mikhailovna. Arkady, feverish, heard their ringing but couldn’t answer, drifting into a strange sleep, longing for his Natasha. Suddenly, she was there—her voice guiding him up, her cold, weak hand supporting him. “Open the door, quickly!” she urged. Confused, Arkady unlocked the door—only to find neighbour Nina and Yura outside. “Ivanich, we rang and knocked—what happened?” “But Natasha was just here…” Arkady muttered, lips pale. “She’s in hospital, love—intensive care,” Nina replied. “He’s delirious,” Yura realised, catching Arkady as he fainted. They called an ambulance—heatstroke, exhaustion. Two weeks later, Natalia came home, cured. Yura drove her; Nina helped Arkady meanwhile, and he recovered too. The important thing: they were still together. At last, alone, husband and wife fought back tears. “Good thing there are kind souls in the world, Arkady. Remember how Nina’s kids came over after school? We fed them, helped with homework, until she finished work.” “Not everyone remembers kindness—but she hasn’t hardened, and it means so much,” Arkady agreed. “And Yura, once a lad—I guided him, and he hasn’t forgotten old friends.” “New Year’s is coming, Arkady—we’re together again,” Natalia whispered, snuggling close. “Natalia, tell me—how did you manage to visit me from hospital and help me open the door to my rescuers? I might have died without you,” Arkady finally asked. He feared she’d think his mind was lost, but instead, she wondered, “So, that really happened? They said I’d died briefly—clinical death—but in that time, I dreamt I visited you. I remember leaving my body in intensive care and coming to you…” “What miracles old age brings! I love you as much as ever—more, even,” Arkady murmured, holding her hands, as they gazed at each other, afraid the world might separate them once more. On New Year’s Eve, Yura visited with homemade pies, and Nina stopped by—they sipped tea, feeling warmth and gratitude. When Natalia and Arkady celebrated New Year’s alone, she confided, “I made a wish—that if we greet this New Year together, it’ll be ours. We’ll have another year yet.” They laughed in happiness. Another whole year of life together—that’s everything. That’s pure joy.

Author Harlan CovingtonReading 6 minViews 1

One more year together

Lately, Arthur Bennett hadnt gone out on his own. Not since that day he wandered to the doctors surgery and couldnt remember where he lived, or even his name.

Hed headed in the wrong direction completely, wandering aimlessly around the neighbourhood until, finally, his eyes landed on an unmistakably familiar building. As it turned out, it was the old clock factory where Arthur had worked nearly half a century.

He gazed up at the factorys worn brick facade, sure he recognised it, though he couldnt recall why or even who he was, not until someone tapped him gently on the shoulder from behind.

Bennett! Uncle Arthur, what brings you here missing the old place, eh? We were talking about you the other day. You were the best man to teach us, mentor us. Arthur, dont you recognise me? Its me, David Atwood. You made me who I am!

Something clicked at last inside Arthurs head, and the emptiness vanished, memory flooding back in a rush. Thank goodness

David grinned, embracing his old mentor.
See? Its the moustache, I shaved it off! Doesnt look right, does it? Ah, come on, will you come inside? The lads would love to see you.

Maybe another time, David. Im more tired than Id thought, Arthur admitted.

Well my cars just round the corner. Let me drive you home I havent forgotten your address, David replied, pleased.

He drove him back, and from that day, Margaret Bennett never let her husband go out unaccompanied, even though his memory seemed strong again.

Now, whatever they did strolling through the park, popping to the surgery, nipping to the shops it was always together.

But one dreary afternoon, Arthur caught a chill, running a temperature and coughing fiercely. His wife set off alone to fetch medicine and groceries, even though she wasnt feeling too bright herself.

She bought what was needed it couldnt have been much, she reasoned but weakness overcame her, and her breath seemed short. The shopping bag felt impossibly heavy. Margaret paused, regained her breath, and dragged the stubborn bag onward through the crisp snow homeward.

She managed a few more steps, then stopped again. Setting the leaden bag down on the fresh snow, she herself sank gently onto the icy path leading to their home.

Her last thought Why did I buy so much at once? I must be losing my wits.

Luckily, neighbours coming out spotted Margaret lying there and rushed to her aid, calling an ambulance

The paramedics took Margaret to hospital, while the neighbours picked up her shopping and medicine, returned, and knocked anxiously at her door.

Reckon Arthurs still at home, might be ill Ive not seen him for days, speculated Nina Withers, Probably asleep Margaret did say hes been poorly too. Ah, old age is no fun, Ill check later…

Arthur Bennett heard the doorbell.

Yet the cough left him breathless; he tried to get up but dizziness and fever overwhelmed him and he nearly fell

The coughing subsided, and Arthur drifted into a strange sleep, neither fully awake nor truly dreaming. Where was Margaret, why was she taking so long?

He lay there for hours until, suddenly, he heard a soft shuffle. And then, there she washis Margaret, standing by his side. Relief flooded him.

Arthur, give me your hand, hold on to me, come on, love, get up. Margaret called, her hand strangely cold and weak. He stood, clutching her delicate fingers.

Now open the door, quickly, she said quietly.

Why? Arthur mumbled, puzzled, but he did as she asked. In rushed Nina Withers and David, his old friend from the factory,

Bennett, why didnt you answer? Weve been ringing and knocking!

But MargaretMargaret was just here! Arthur stammered, lips pale, utterly bewildered by her absence.

Shes in hospital, intensive care! Nina exclaimed.

He must be delirious, David guessed, catching his old friend in time as he started to collapse

The neighbours quickly called an ambulance; it was a faint from fever.

Two weeks later, Margaret came home from the hospital.

David drove her back, and with the neighbours help, Arthur regained his strength.

The most important thingthey were still together.

When at last the Bennetts found themselves alone, both could barely hold back tears.

At least there are good people in the world, Arthur. Ninas a wonderful womanremember when her kids would come round after school, and wed give them lunch, help with homework, then shed finish work and take them home?

Yes, but not everyone remembers kindness. Ninas heart is still open, and thats lovely, Arthur agreed.

And young David, I was his mentor, helped him find his feet. So many forget us old folk, but he hasnt.

New Years is just round the corner, Arthur. How lucky we aretogether again, Margaret whispered, gripping his hand.

But answer me this, Margarethow did you come to me from hospital, make me open the door for Nina and David? I mightve been done for, if not for you. At last Arthur found the courage to ask.

He feared shed think his mind was slipping, yet Margaret simply looked at him, astonished.

So it really happened? They told me Id died, technically and in that time, it was as if I drifted to you, almost half-asleep. I remember itI saw myself lying in hospital, then leaving, coming here to you

Such miracles in our old ageand I swear, I love you just as much, maybe even more, Arthur murmured, taking her hands. They sat long and silent, gazing at each other, afraid anything might tear them apart again.

On New Years Eve, David dropped by with treatshis wife had baked pies.

Later, Nina popped in, too, and together they shared tea and pie, a cheerful warmth filling the house.

Margaret and Arthur greeted the New Year side by side.

You know, I made a promisethat if we saw in this New Year together, then its truly ours. And maybe we still have time, Margaret said quietly, squeezing Arthurs hand.

And they both smiled, hearts light with hope.

One more whole year togethersuch a gift, such happiness.

The Syndrome of a Life Forever Put on Hold… Confessions of a 60-Year-Old Woman Helen: This year I turned 60. Not a single family member called to wish me a happy milestone birthday. I have a daughter and son, a grandson and granddaughter. Even my ex-husband is still around. My daughter is 40, my son is 35. Both live in London, both graduated from prestigious universities. Bright, successful, settled. My daughter is married to a high-ranking official, my son to the daughter of a major London business leader. Both have strong careers, own several properties, and besides their government jobs, run businesses of their own. Everything is stable. My ex-husband left when our son finished uni. Said he was tired of our lifestyle—though his own life was quiet and routine, with weekends spent lounging or out with friends, and month-long holidays with relatives down in the south. I, meanwhile, never took a proper holiday. I juggled three jobs—engineering at a factory, cleaning the offices there, and packing groceries in the local supermarket every weekend from 8 till 8, plus cleaning staff rooms. Every penny went to our children—living in London isn’t cheap, and top-tier education meant sharp clothes, decent food, entertainment. I taught myself to make do with old clothes, mending and reworking pieces, fixing my shoes. I was always clean, presentable. That was enough. My only entertainment was dreaming—sometimes I’d see myself laughing, young, and happy in my sleep. The moment my husband left, he bought a new, luxury car—clearly, there were funds saved up. Our shared life was always odd: besides paying the rent, all expenses fell to me. As for the children’s education, that was my job too. The flat we lived in came from my grandmother. A classic, spacious city apartment with high ceilings, converted from two bedrooms to three. There was a box room with a window, 8.5 square meters—I renovated it, made it cozy for my daughter. My son and I shared a room, but I only came home to sleep. My husband had the lounge. When my daughter moved to London, I had the box room. My son kept the bedroom. Our separation came without drama or dividing up property, no accusations. He wanted to LIVE, not just exist, and I was so worn down, I was actually relieved: no more cooking multi-course meals, washing his clothes and bedding, ironing and putting it all away—I could use that time to rest. By then my health had crashed: spine, joints, diabetes, thyroid, sheer exhaustion. For the first time I took a break from my main job just to get treatment. Kept the side jobs, of course. Got a little better. I hired a great tradesman—he and his mate gave me a proper bathroom overhaul in two weeks. For me, it was bliss. My OWN happiness, just for me! All along, I sent money to my successful kids instead of birthday or Christmas gifts, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day. Later, there were presents for my grandchildren too. So giving up side jobs was impossible. There was never money left for myself. I was rarely congratulated, usually only if I sent wishes first. No gifts. The biggest hurt? Not being invited to my kids’ weddings. My daughter put it bluntly: “Mum, you wouldn’t really fit in with our crowd. The President’s office people will be there.” As for my son’s wedding, I only heard about it from my daughter, after the fact… At least they didn’t ask for money for the wedding. Nobody ever visits, though I always invite them. My daughter calls our town “the sticks”—even though it’s a city with a million people. My son says, “Mum, I literally have no time.” There are seven daily flights from here to London—two hours, tops. How would I describe that period of my life? Probably, suppressed emotions… I lived like Scarlett O’Hara— “I’ll think about it tomorrow…” I pushed away tears and pain, pressing down whatever I felt—from confusion to despair. I became a robot, programmed only for work. Then the factory was bought out by Londoners. Reorganisation started. All those near retirement were made redundant—I lost two jobs in one hit, but could take early retirement. My pension: 800 pounds a month. Try and live on that. Lucky for me, a cleaning job opened up in my five-story block. I took it—another 800 pounds. Still kept my weekend packing and cleaning shift at the supermarket—they paid well, about £120 for a shift. The standing all day was tough. I started to renovate the kitchen, bit by bit. Did it myself, ordered the units from a neighbour—he did a decent job at a fair price. I began saving again. Wanted to refresh the bedrooms, swap out some furniture. Plans, always plans… but none ever included myself! What did I ever spend on me? Food—basic stuff, and I never ate much. And medicine—lots on that. Rent keeps climbing every year. My ex said, “Sell the flat, it’s a good area. You’ll get a good price, buy yourself a one-bedroom.” But I can’t bear to—my grandmother’s memory. My parents died young, she raised me. The flat is my life’s history. My ex and I managed to keep a friendly enough relationship. We talk like old mates. He’s doing well. Never speaks about his private life. Once a month he turns up with heavy groceries—potatoes, veg, rice, bottled water—refuses money. Says delivery isn’t worth it, they always send rubbish. I just agree. Inside, something feels frozen—a knot in my chest. I just keep going, working a lot. No dreams. Nothing I want for myself. I see my daughter and her kids on Instagram, my son’s life flashes by in his wife’s Insta stories. I’m glad they’re all fine—happy, healthy, enjoying trips, eating in nice places. Maybe I didn’t give them enough love. So there’s none in return. My daughter checks in sometimes—asks how I am. I always say “all’s well.” Never complain. My son sends WhatsApp voice notes, “Hi Mum, hope you’re good.” He once told me he didn’t want to hear about dad and my problems—negativity upsets him. So I stopped sharing, stick to “all’s fine, son.” I’d love to hug my grandchildren, but suspect they barely know I exist—a pensioner cleaner grandma. Most likely, to them, I’m already long gone. I can’t even remember buying anything for myself. Some underwear and socks now and then, cheapest possible. Never had a manicure or pedicure… Once a month I get my hair cut at the local place, dye my own hair. The only plus—I’ve kept the same size, 14/16, all my life. No need to update my wardrobe. My biggest fear is that one morning I won’t be able to get up—my spine aches constantly. I’m so afraid of being immobile. Maybe I shouldn’t have lived this way: no rest, no little joys, always working, always putting everything off for “later.” But where is “later?” It’s gone… My soul feels empty, my heart completely numb… everything around me is empty too… I don’t blame anyone. But I can’t blame myself, either. I’ve worked all my life, and still do. I squirrel away a little rainy day fund, just in case. Not much, but something. Though, let’s be honest—I know if I’m bedridden, I won’t want to live… don’t want to be anyone’s burden. And do you know what’s saddest? No one ever gave me flowers. Not once in my life. Wouldn’t it be something if someone finally brings fresh flowers—for my grave? Honestly, it would be almost funny…

Spanner Number 13 He called me in the morning, as if it were nothing at all: “Can you pop over? Need a hand with the bike. Don’t fancy wrestling with it alone.” The words “can you” and “don’t fancy” sounded odd together. Dad used to say “has to be done” and “I’ll sort it myself.” An adult son, now with silver in his hair, catching himself searching this invitation for a catch, like he always used to. But there was no catch, just a simple request—making it feel all the more awkward. He arrived by lunchtime, climbed up to the third floor, dawdling on the landing as the key turned. The door opened at once, as if Dad had been standing behind it, waiting. “Come in. Shoes off,” Dad said, stepping aside. Everything in the hallway was in its place: the mat, the shoe cabinet, the neat pile of newspapers. Dad looked just the same, only his shoulders seemed narrower, and when adjusting his sleeve his hands trembled for a second. “Where’s the bike?” asked the son, to avoid asking anything else. “On the balcony. I got it out the way in there. Thought I’d tackle it myself, but you know…” Dad waved a hand and led the way. The balcony was glazed, but freezing, crammed with boxes and jars. The bike was upright by the wall, covered with an old sheet. Dad took the sheet off like he was unveiling something precious, and softly laid his palm on the frame. “It’s yours,” he said. “Remember? We got it for your birthday.” The son remembered. Remembered riding in the courtyard, the falls, how Dad would silently pick him up, brush sand off his knees, check the chain. Dad rarely praised him, but always looked at things as if they were alive, as if he was responsible for them. “The tyre’s flat,” the son noted. “That’s nothing. There’s a crunch in the hub too, and the back brake’s useless. Took a spin yesterday, about had a heart attack,” Dad quipped, but the smile was brief. They carried the bike to the “workshop”— not a real one, just a corner: a desk by the window, a mat, lamp, toolbox. On the wall: pliers, screwdrivers, spanners, everything sorted. The son took it in automatically, as always: Dad kept order wherever he could. “Can you spot the thirteen mil spanner?” Dad asked. The son opened the box. The spanners were lined up, but thirteen was missing. “There’s a twelve, a fourteen… no thirteen here.” Dad arched an eyebrow. “What? It should…,” he trailed off, as if the word “always” wouldn’t come. The son rummaged through, pulled out the drawer—nuts, washers, tape, sandpaper. Found the spanner under a bundle of rubber gloves. “Here we are,” said the son. Dad took it, held it in his palm like testing the weight. “So I tucked it there myself. Memory,” he grunted. “Right then, hand us the bike.” The son laid the bike on its side, putting a rag under the pedal. Dad crouched down, slowly, with caution, as if wary his knees might fail. The son noticed, but acted as if he hadn’t. “Let’s get the wheel off first,” Dad said. “You hold it while I loosen the nuts.” He took up the spanner, twisted. The nut resisted, and Dad tensed, lips pressed tight. The son took over, and the nut yielded. “I would’ve managed,” Dad muttered. “I just…” “I know. Hold it so it doesn’t drop.” They got on with the job, barely speaking: “hold this,” “don’t pull,” “here,” “mind the washer.” The son realised he found it easier this way—words, limited by the job, with no need to second-guess. Wheel off, on the floor. Dad produced the pump, checked the hose. Old, battered handle. “The tube’s probably fine. Just dry,” Dad said. The son wanted to ask how he knew, but let it go. Dad always sounded sure, even when he wasn’t. While Dad pumped, the son checked the brake. Pads worn, cable rusty. “Needs a new cable,” he said. “Cable… there’s a spare somewhere.” Dad rummaged under the table, got out one box, then another—each with parts labelled on scraps of paper. The son watched him sort through, seeing not just neatness, but a fight to keep time in order. As long as everything’s labelled and in place, nothing unravels. “Can’t see it,” said Dad with irritation, slamming the box shut. “Maybe it’s in the cupboard?” the son suggested. “Cupboard’s chaos,” Dad said, as if confessing a crime. The son grinned. “You? Chaos? That’s a first.” Dad shot him a look, but the eyes held a glimmer of gratitude for the joke. “Go on, check. I’ll just…” Dad went back to pumping. The cupboard was tiny, crammed with boxes. The son flicked the light on, pushed aside bags. Top shelf—cable reel, wrapped in newspaper. “Got it!” he called. “There you go! Told you so,” came Dad’s reply. The son brought the cable. Dad inspected the ends. “Looks good. Just need to find the right caps.” He found the tiny metal sleeves. “Let’s sort the brake.” The son held the frame, Dad undid the fixture. Dad’s fingers were dry, cracked, nails clipped short. The son remembered, as a boy, thinking those fingers strong and unbreakable. Now they had a different strength: patient, economical. “What are you staring at?” Dad asked, eyes down. “Just…wondering how you remember all this.” Dad snorted. “I remember. Not always where I put stuff. Funny, isn’t it?” The son wanted to say “not funny,” but understood Dad wasn’t joking. He was afraid. “It’s normal,” the son said. “Happens to me too.” Dad nodded, as if accepting permission not to be perfect. When they broke down the brake, a spring was missing. Dad stared at the space for a long time, before meeting his son’s eyes. “I was tinkering yesterday, might’ve dropped it. Looked on the floor, couldn’t see it.” “Let’s look again,” the son said. On their knees, hands sweeping along the floor, peering under the table. The son found the spring by the skirting, next to a chair leg. “Here it is.” Dad took it, peered closely. “Thank God. I’d started to think…” He didn’t finish. The son knew he wanted to say “I’d started to think I couldn’t remember anything anymore.” But he didn’t. “Fancy a cuppa?” Dad asked brusquely, as if tea might cover the pause. “Go on, then.” In the kitchen, Dad set the kettle, got out two mugs. The son sat, watching Dad’s movements between stove and cupboard. They were the same old movements, just a bit slower now. Dad poured the tea, put a plate of biscuits in front of him. “Eat. You’re looking thin.” The son wanted to say he wasn’t, just a bulky coat, but left it. In that sentence was all the care Dad knew how to show. “How’s work?” Dad asked. “All right.” Then, to fill the gap: “They shut down the project, so starting a new one.” “Mm. Long as they pay you on time.” The son smiled. “You always think about money.” “What else d’you reckon I should worry about?” Dad looked him straight in the eye. “Feelings?” The son felt something tighten inside. He hadn’t expected Dad to use *that* word. “I don’t know,” he said honestly. Dad was quiet, then cupped the mug with both hands. “Sometimes…I wonder if you come round out of duty. You know. Sign in, then off you go.” The son set the mug down. The tea steamed, burning his fingers, but he didn’t flinch. “You think it’s easy coming here? It’s all…like I’m a kid again. And you always know best.” Dad smiled, not unkindly. “I *do* think I know better. Habit.” “And you never—” the son exhaled, “—you never really asked how I am. Not really.” Dad stared into his mug, as if answers might be at the bottom. “I was scared to ask. If you ask, you have to listen. And I…,” he looked up, “I don’t always know how.” The son felt lighter, as though the plain words made space in his chest. No “I’m sorry” or justifications, just honesty. It was closer to the truth than any big speech. “Me neither.” Dad nodded. “We’ll learn. Through the bike,” he added, with a wry smile, as if surprised by his own words. They finished the tea, and went back to the room. The bike lay there, wheel detached, cable on the desk. Dad set to work with new determination. “Right. You thread the cable, I’ll line up the pads.” The son did as told, fingers less deft than his father’s, frustrated at himself. Dad saw. “Don’t rush. It’s patience, not strength, that matters.” The son glanced up. “Talking about the cable, or…?” “About everything,” Dad answered, turning away as if he’d said too much. They set the pads, tightened the bolts. Dad pressed the brake lever a few times, testing. “That’s better.” The son pumped up the tyre, listening for hissing. The tube held. They put the wheel back, tightened the nuts. Dad asked for the thirteen spanner; the son handed it over wordlessly. It fit his palm as if it belonged there. “That’s that,” said Dad, when they were done. “Let’s give it a try.” They took the bike downstairs. Dad held the handlebars, son by his side. The courtyard was empty bar a neighbour with shopping, who gave them a nod. “Hop on. Try it out,” said Dad. “Me?” “You. I’m not the acrobat I once was.” The son sat on the bike. The saddle felt low, like childhood, knees high. He rode a couple of circuits around the flower bed, tried the brake. The bike stopped on a dime. “Working,” he said, climbing off. Dad tried walking it himself, slowly, no rush. Then stopped, foot to the ground. “Good. Worth the fuss.” The son looked at Dad and suddenly realised it wasn’t about the bike. It was about calling him over. “Keep the toolkit,” said Dad unexpectedly. “You’ll use it more than I will. You do everything yourself these days.” The son wanted to object, but understood this was Dad’s way—his way of saying “I love you” was “take it, you’ll need it.” “All right. I’ll keep it. But don’t lose the thirteen spanner. That’s the king.” Dad grinned. “I’ll put it where it belongs from now on.” They went back up. In the hall, the son took his coat. Dad lingered nearby. “Will you pop by next week?” he asked, casually. “That… top cupboard door’s squeaky. Needs oiling. My hands aren’t what they were.” He said it calmly, no excuses. The son knew it wasn’t a complaint, but an invitation. “I’ll come. Call first, so I don’t barrel in, yeah?” Dad nodded and, as he shut the door, added quietly, “Thanks for coming.” The son walked down the stairs, holding a few of Dad’s wrenches and screwdrivers, wrapped in a cloth. They felt heavy, but didn’t weigh him down. Outside, he glanced up at the third-floor window. The curtain shifted slightly—Dad, watching. The son didn’t wave. He just walked to his car, knowing he could now come not only “to do a job,” but because of what really mattered—the job they’d finally agreed was worth it.

At the Edge of the World: Snow Packed Into Her Boots, Stinging Her Skin, but Rita Refused to Buy Wellies—She’d Rather Have Knee-High Boots (Though She’d Look Silly Here and Her Dad Had Blocked Her Bank Card). “You’re Really Going to Live in a Village?” He Sneered, Hating the Countryside and Everything Rural. He’d Hoped Rita Would Marry Gosha This Summer and Prepare for a ‘Proper’ City Wedding—But Rita Never Cared for Gosha’s Bragging or Their Obsession with Money; She Dreamed of Love and Drama, Not Predictable Comfort. That’s Why She Accepted a Teaching Job at a Village School with No Internet, Hot Water, or Sewers—The Headteacher Hesitated, But Rita Insisted, Armed with Her Qualifications. At First, Her Class of Twelve Seemed Hopeless, Reading Haltingly and Misbehaving, But Rita Fell for Their Unique Talents: Semyon’s Wood Carvings, Anya’s Poetry, Vovka’s Help, and Ira’s Lamb Companion. She Ignored the Official Curriculum, Bringing Books from the Nearest Town, Even as Winter Made Home Life Tough and She Nearly Wanted to Quit—Yet She Persevered, Now Responsible for Her Pupils. Only One Child Stumped Her—And When She Met the Girl’s Father, Vladimir (Gruff as a London Bricklayer, Never Smiling), He Demanded to Know Why Tanya Only Got Failing Marks. Rita Suspected Autism, but the Deputy Head Urged Moving Her to a Special School. Instead, Rita Sought Advice, Visited Tanya’s Home, and Gradually Won Her Trust, Proving the Girl Was Not ‘Hopeless’ After All. Rita Began Tutoring Tanya for Free, Drawing Disapproval from Staff But Determined to Make a Difference. When Vladimir Invited Rita to Spend New Year’s, Rita Was Torn—Especially When Gosha Unexpectedly Arrived with Champagne and Teacher Gifts, Pledging to Stay in the Village for Her. Yet Rita’s Heart Pulled Elsewhere, Especially After Receiving a notebook of Tanya’s drawings and a gold hummingbird brooch—her mother’s keepsake—from Vladimir. On New Year’s Eve, Faced with Gosha’s Proposal, Rita Realized Where She Truly Belonged: She Returned His Ring and Rushed to Find the ones who needed her most—her unexpected new family, at the edge of the world.

The Secret In an English village that felt more like a sleepy hamlet than a bustling town, there once lived a young girl named Laura. One day, her mother—who had a penchant for the mystical—dragged her off to visit the local fortune teller. The old woman spread her weathered cards and proclaimed, “Your Laura will be happy. Her life will turn out well. I just don’t see a man by her side.” Laura was only about ten then, and while the mysterious old lady’s words echoed in her memory, she couldn’t quite grasp their meaning. Years passed and Laura blossomed into a tall, striking beauty. The village lads were wild about her, but Laura never seemed to settle on anyone. She dated here and there, but nothing ever stuck. Though she did well in school, Laura chose not to leave for university, opting instead to take a job at the local dairy. There were whispers about a romantic involvement with a manager, but no one ever saw them together. The older women at the dairy would caution the new girl, “Don’t get stuck here, Laura. Life will pass you by! With your looks, you’d be snapped up in the city.” Laura would just smile and say nothing. Then, out of the blue, the village was buzzing: Laura was pregnant! The locals wasted no time speculating over who could have “blessed” their most eligible beauty—but the father’s identity remained a mystery. Laura’s mother didn’t dwell on it. “You’ve brought this on yourself—shamed us! You’re on your own now, do you hear? I give you a month to find somewhere else—you’re not staying here.” “Alright, Mum,” Laura answered calmly. “I’ll go. But don’t come looking for me later.” Within two weeks, Laura had bought herself a tiny cottage, fully furnished. The neighbours called it luck—the previous owner’s children had whisked the old lady away to the city and sold the place for a song. Where Laura found even that kind of money, pregnant and all, was another village enigma. Then the miracles began. Her cottage was swiftly transformed, looking bright and modern. A new fence went up, a well was dug. Crafty workmen arrived and took care of everything. Soon, delivery vans were bringing boxes of brand-new appliances and furniture. Laura herself walked about the village happy as could be, all smiles, not looking the least bit like an abandoned woman. In the autumn, Laura gave birth to a son, Anthony. A shiny blue pram appeared in her neat garden. Laura regained her figure quickly, looking even more radiant than before. Well-dressed and upright, she strolled the village lanes with her head held high. It was a busy life, of course: a baby, a vegetable patch, stoking the fire, dashing off to the shops, endless laundry. But Laura managed just fine, never complaining, always quietly getting on with things. The neighbours, seeing how hard she worked and what a good person she was, gradually befriended her—even minding Anthony when Laura had errands. Neighbours would send around a husband to dig her vegetable patches, lend a hand with the weeding—just little things. Mostly, Laura handled everything herself. When Anthony was about two, a neighbour ran to her friend in a tizzy: “Did you see? Laura’s expecting again!” “Nonsense, you must be seeing things.” “I’m telling you, see for yourself!” Once again, Laura was the talk of the village. Theories flew, but no one ever saw her with a man. She simply ignored the gossip, carrying on with her life. A little bathhouse suddenly sprang up in her yard; gas lines were redirected at extra expense to reach her home, and a state-of-the-art greenhouse gleamed in her garden. “And where does a single woman get that kind of money?” people muttered. “Must be a bigwig in the picture.” Yet Laura’s secret held strong. Before long, the same blue pram graced her garden—but this time for a new baby boy, Simon. Two years later: a third son, Michael. Laura raised three sons, and not a soul in the village knew who their fathers were. Some openly laughed at her, called her names. Others, seeing healthy children and a hardworking, sober mother, admired her courage. There were those who pointed fingers and used Laura as an example to scold their own daughters. Her mother was mortified and kept her distance, never seeking to help or meet the grandchildren. But Laura carried on, head high, never caring for what people said. Time rolled on. One day, the entire village stopped in its tracks: a fancy car pulled up to Laura’s door. Out stepped the well-respected dairy director, Mr. George, bearing a huge bouquet of flowers. He went inside, and before long every nosey neighbour was gathered outside. “What’s going on? Why is Mr. George—widowed just a year ago—calling on Laura midday and with flowers?” When Laura escorted him out, there was such a crowd she looked lost for a moment. Mr. George drew her close and, to everyone’s astonishment, kissed her. Then, for all to hear, announced: “Laura has agreed to be my wife. We and our sons invite you all to the wedding.” A stunned silence fell. Only then did the villagers notice how much Laura’s boys resembled Mr. George. And from all sides came congratulations. After a grand wedding, George moved Laura and the children into his home, and the entire village pitched in to help. A year later a long-awaited daughter was born to the family. So much for fortune tellers’ predictions!