Katerina had been waiting in line for Baba Nina for two hours already. The healer was her last hope. For several years Katya had been trying to carry a child, but for reasons she could not understand she remained barren.
Honestly, I dont know what to tell you The tests are perfect, no pathologies at all, the doctor shrugged.
But there must be some reason. If Im completely healthy, why cant I conceive? the young woman pressed.
I have no answer. Medicine cant help here. Maybe try the church, if nothing else the physician whispered.
Katerina and Dmitry had been married five years. Their life was comfortable: a steady income, their own apartment, love and mutual understanding. The only thing missing was the sound of childrens laughter echoing through their spacious, wellfurnished home.
Katerina had long suspected a curse plagued her and her husband; the gynecologists words only reinforced her suspicions.
Churches are fine, but in your case you need a witch, a friend advised, scribbling an address on a scrap. Go, dont waste time. The sooner, the better.
At last Katerinas turn arrived. She timidly stepped over the low threshold of a tiny cottage. Inside, a thin, pretty old woman in a white headscarf and a colorful dress greeted her with a smile. Katerina had never visited someone like this, and she had imagined the healer to be frighteningperhaps fanged, with a black cat on her shoulder.
Hello, dear! Take a seat by the icon, the old woman said in a soft, pleasant voice.
My problem is Katerina began, tears breaking free.
I know everything, child, and Ill help as I can, Baba Nina replied calmly.
Katerina settled onto a cushioned chair beside a large icon of the Mother of God. The old woman started a prayer, waving a candle around Katerina. The whole ritual lasted about twenty minutes. When it ended, Baba Nina sat opposite her and took her hand.
You cannot bear a child. You must lift the curse that has hung over you since childhood, she said evenly.
What curse? Who put it on me? I havent harmed anyone.
Youre wrong. Your mother took on a terrible sin, and you are paying for it, the healer explained.
But thats unfair! My mother has been dead for years; why should I suffer for her sins? Katerina protested.
Its the law of the universe. We are powerless against it
Will you help me? Katerina asked, hopeful.
No. I have no power here. If you had a hex or an evil eye, perhaps but you dont, the old woman shook her head. You need to discover what your mother offended and try to atone for it. And most importantly, pray sincerelynot only for yourself, but also for your enemies.
Thank you, Katerina whispered.
She got into her car and called her husband.
Dima? I wont be home today. I have to see my aunt urgently. Everything else can wait.
Katerina started the engine and drove toward the village.
Katya! Why didnt you warn me? I was about to heat the bath! Aunt Glafira shouted, delighted.
Its urgent, Katya cut her off. You must tell me the truth. What did my mother do? What are the sins Im paying for?
What makes you think I know? the aunt stammered.
Katerina recounted her visit to the healer, relaying the entire conversation.
Who would have guessed Listen, Glafira began.
She told her niece that her mother, Zinaida, had once been the villages beauty queen. Many suitors pursued her, yet she fell for a married man, Vasily. Without remorse, Zinaida lured Vasily away from his family. His abandoned wife, Maria, was left alone with an infant son.
Maria, devastated by the loss of her husband, eventually crawled to Zinas doorstep, pleading on her knees to get her husband back. Zina, proud and indifferent, shooed the desperate woman away and mocked her. In her despair, Maria shouted a terrible curse at Zina and the unborn children she might have.
What happened then? Katya whispered, horrified.
Your mother married Vasily, then gave birth to you. But none of them lived long; they died one after another. Its almost mystical. Marias curse probably took effect. Thats why you cant conceive now, her aunt exclaimed, hands waving.
Is Maria still in the village? I want to ask forgiveness for my parents sins.
Marias fate isnt better either After a while, she went mad. She used to be quiet, but one day she attacked the first passerby, and people barely managed to pull her away. She was later placed in a mental institution, and her son, Lenya, was sent to an orphanage.
Lenya is already an adult? Hes a few years older than me. So hes my halfbrother? Katya guessed.
Yes. His life turned out badly as well Glafira sighed heavily. After the orphanage he returned home, started drinking and causing trouble. Then things got worse. Leonid disappeared in the forest one winter. He was found the next day, rescued, but his legs were beyond repair. Now he uses a wheelchair.
So thats it Mom not only stole my father, she ruined the lives of innocent people.
Thats exactly it! Glafira agreed.
Aunt, take me to my brother. I need to see him, Katya said resolutely.
Youve lost your mind? Hes constantly drinking; who knows whats in his head. Go home! Dont waste time.
No. If you wont, others will tell me where to find Leonid, Katya replied, rising.
Fine, be my guest. But youll have to live with the consequences, Glafira muttered as she slipped on a sweater.
They trudged along a snowcovered path toward Leonids house. When they entered the yard, Katerina realized the dwelling was more a halfcollapsed hut than a home. The wooden fence lay rotted on the ground, there was no electricity, and a dim kerosene lamp flickered through a dirty, tiny window. She hesitantly knocked on the pane.
Not locked! a hoarse male voice called.
Katia, if anything happens, Im here. Shout! Aunt Glafira whispered.
Katerina nodded and stepped through the open door. The stale scent of cheap tobacco and wine hit her nose. Cigarette butts and empty bottles littered the floor. At the table, a man of indeterminate age sat in a wheelchair. A pristine white cat curled up in a ball on the table, the only bright spot in the squalid hut.
Theres a cat sleeping on the table, Katya said, unsure how to begin.
None of your business! The White rules here; hes the true master, Leonid replied in a tangled voice, his clouded eyes trying to focus on the newcomer. What do you want? If youre from social services, get out! Im not going to a shelter!
No, Im here for a different reason. My name is Katerina, Im your halfsister, she blurted.
So thats it A sister shows up! Leonid sneered. What do you want? Inheritance? Thats not mine; the house belongs to my mother!
Lenya, I came to ask forgiveness. How can I help you? Katya asked. Leonid let out a harsh laugh, looking at his sister with contempt, yet his eyes also reflected pain, desperation, and resignation. The longer Katya stared, the more she saw her fathers features in him.
Do you have a hundred rubles? he asked abruptly.
Katerina opened her purse silently, placed five hundred rubles on the table. Thank you. Youre free, I forgive you. If you ever need to ask forgiveness again, come back! Leonid cackled.
Maybe a doctor? Some medicine? Katya tried to keep the conversation going.
No, thank you. Thats enough. Now go, I need to sleep!
Katerina left the hut, tears clouding her vision, and walked back to her aunts house. Seeing her brothers tragic state shocked her deeply.
So, you talked? Glafira rushed after her.
We talked
He forgave you? the aunt insisted.
Yes! Katya snapped. Thanks for your help. Im heading home.
You should have stayed until morning, its night now
No, I need to go to the city, Katya lied.
More than anything, she wanted solitude. The flood of information from that day required time to process.
The following week she drifted, haunted day and night by thoughts of Leonid. She realized she was the only remaining kin for the miserable man. Unsure what to do, Katya decided to visit a church. After the service she prayed sincerely for all her enemies, just as Baba Nina had taught her.
The burden is heavy, my daughter, the priest asked.
Katerina looked around and realized she was alone in the church.
Excuse me, am I holding you up? Ill leave now, she whispered.
Perhaps you should confess, ease your soul?
She broke down, recounting everything to the priest in detail, leaving nothing hidden.
What can I say? the priest mused. The witch was wrong; children cannot answer for their parents sins. The only thing she got right was the importance of prayeralways pray, not only for loved ones but also for those who have hurt you.
What should I do about my brother? I want to help him, take him out of the village, but Im afraid my husband wont understand.
Act according to your conscience and the call of your heart.
The next day Katya returned to Leonid, determined.
Why are you here? Money? the man growled.
Leonid was sober but angry, clearly in a foul mood. No, I wont give you any.
Come with me. No objections! Im your sister; I cant watch you destroy yourself. If Im useless to you, youre useful to me. I have no other relatives.
Where are we going? Leonid asked, stunned by her forcefulness.
First to a hospital, then to my house. I have a twostory home with a large gardenplenty of room for everyone.
Leonid stared, unsure how to answer. Part of him was tired of his miserable life; part of him didnt even know his sister.
Lets make a deal: if you dont like it, Ill take you back at once. No one will force you to stay.
One condition! Leonid said seriously. The White comes with me! He nodded at the fluffy cat.
No problem! Ive always wanted a cat! Katya smiled.
—
Three months passed. Leonid had fully settled into the new home. He turned out to be kind and cheerful, developing a serious interest in computers and deciding to train as a programmer.
Leonid, tomorrow the prosthetics arrive from Germany. In a few months youll be on your feet again! Dmitry patted his shoulder.
Thank you! I never imagined Id walk again, Leonid tearfully replied.
Its all thanks to Katya Im so glad I found my brother, Dmitry said, beaming.
Six months later, Dmitry and Leonid stood by the windows of a maternity ward, watching newborn twins. A joyful Katya pointed at the babies for her husband and brother.
Itll be lively soon! Dmitry laughed.
So, Uncle, ready for two nephews?
Always ready! Leonid chuckled. Weve got this!
