Father Oksana asked us not to come to the wedding.
She says shell be embarrassed about her peasant parents.
How could this be? Valusha Id been waiting for this day, to give my daughter away. And she doesnt want to see us, shes ashamed What is this?
Hello, mother, Viktor has asked me to marry him, can you believe it? I always dreamed of joining his family!
Valentina was delighted for her daughter. Oksana, a smart and beautiful girl, always received help and support from her father. After finishing school she wanted to enroll in a modeling academy; her looks and figure were suitable.
But she needed money for tuition. The father sold cattle and pigs, and the proceeds were just enough. Oksana rarely returned to the village; city life had swept her away like a whirlwind. She began earning on her own, taking part in photo shoots and fashion shows. Her parents were glad their daughter was provided for.
Viktor was the only son of a highranking official; his father never refused anything. Oksana never introduced Viktor to her own parents and never invited them to the city. She claimed she and Viktor led a very busy life, often traveling abroad.
Valentina worked as a school cleaner and often boasted about Oksanas photos at work.
Valya, why doesnt Oksana bring her fiancé over to meet us? Is she ashamed of her parents?
Come on, Alla, Oksana loves us very much, both me and dad.
When was the last time she visited? You cant even recall. Does she call often?
Just this week she called; Oksana is getting married. We have to think about money for a gift and choose outfits.
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Oksana, when will you and your fiancé come to meet us? Father has prepared his special dish, hed like to share it with his soninlaw.
Mother, he doesnt drink, so theres nothing to taste. We have no time to travel; were busy preparing for the wedding, theres so much to do.
When is the wedding, dear? Father and I also need to get ready, buy clothes.
Mother, you know what You dont have to come to our wedding. Think about it: Viktor comes from a rich family; the whole high society will be there, and you youve been living off my fathers pigs forever. Imagine the contrast! You look and behave like villagers, you dont fit into that world. Just think how Ill feel.
Fine, dear, you wont see us.
Valya didnt know how to tell her husband. He had been waiting for this day to see his beloved daughter in a wedding dress and wish her happiness. Every wall in their house was covered with Oksanas photos; the father remembered exactly when each picture was taken and often admired his beautiful daughter.
Father Oksana asked us not to come to the wedding. She says shell be ashamed of her rural parents.
How could this happen? Valusha Id been waiting for this day, to give my daughter away. She doesnt want to see us, shes embarrassed What is this?
Mykhailo turned pale. Valentina handed him a glass of water and some drops; he had heart problems.
Mykhailo, dont worry Well skip it, its no big deal.
That night an ambulance had to be called; he was seriously upset.
You know what, Valya? Well still go to the wedding and congratulate them, we have the right! Shell point us out!
Valentina didnt want to go, but she saw she couldnt stop him. Finding the wedding date and restaurant was easy; Viktor was a public figure and the ceremony details were online. Valya asked a colleague to look it up because there was no internet at home.
She borrowed a nice dress from a friend, bought Mykhailo a new suit, and on the wedding day they drove to the city. They entered the restaurant just as the celebration was in full swing and the guests were greeting the newlyweds.
Valentina and her husband, bouquet in hand, quietly stepped into the hall. When the MC asked who else wanted to congratulate the couple, Mykhailo shouted, We do!
The MC invited them up to greet the bride and groom.
Viktor and Oksana, congratulations on forming a family! Live long and happily, and may your children always remember their roots, who they are, where they come from, honor and respect their parents, never be ashamed of them. Cheers!
Mykhailo placed the bouquet on the table where the newlyweds sat, took his wifes hand, and left the hall.
Viktor stared at Oksana in surprise.
Who are these people, Oksana?
These are my relatives.
Viktor caught up with Mykhailo and his wife.
Where are you going? Stay, be at the wedding! Oksana said she has no relatives; after her parents died she stopped seeing anyone.
What do you mean parents died? Were alive.
Are you Oksanas parents? How could she lie?
Shes embarrassed of us, Viktor. Were simple folk, not made for high society, we have no money, we dont know how to behave, thats why she lied so she wouldnt be ashamed.
Im sorry this happened I didnt know Forgive me.
Viktor, I see youre a good person. Dont hurt Oksana, live happily!
Okay, motherinlaw. Well definitely visit you and fix this awkward situation. Lets go back to the hall, stay!
No, well leave; we dont want to ruin our daughters day. She didnt want to see us, we showed up on our own.
Three months passed. Oksana never called her parents and never came back.
Valentina was hanging laundry in the yard when a taxi pulled up and Oksana got out with a bag. Valentina kept hanging the sheets.
Mom, hi. Im here. Are you not happy?
Hi. Why are you here?
What do you mean? I just came home.
Oh home, then.
Is dad in the house?
Hes at the cemetery.
Whats that, mom?
Its not a joke. Even though you buried us earlier, Dad actually died two months ago. He couldnt bear the betrayal from his daughter. Ill never forgive you for that. You took my husband and my daughter from me. Go back, you have no place here anymore.
Oksana entered the house. It was silent. Her fathers bed was gone, his photos were missing from the walls. Everything felt foreign, as if she hadnt lived there for 17 years.
Mom, I couldnt come earlier; Viktor and I were abroad for three months on an island with terrible reception. Viktor scolded me for lying. Also were getting divorced; were too different. Three months together was enough to realize that. Im thinking of going abroad, signing a contract with an agency. The world didnt line up for Viktor.
Live as you wish, Oksana. Goodbye.
The gate closed behind her.
Valentina entered the house and burst into tears. How could it happen to this girl who was once so kind and gentle? There is no longer a daughter; she must learn to accept it. Oksana made her choice. Valentina wept, staring out the window for a long time. Better solitude than a daughter like this.
