Do they have no relatives? Why did you bring them here? Youre such a pity Pity? What about us? Were barely fitting in this house! You told me to call the guardians tomorrow! Let them figure it out!
Ivan glared at his wife. She had just returned from her friends funeralher friend was not alone. The children stood with her: threeyearold Nika and thirteenyearold Kyrylo shuffled at the doorway, unsure how to react to an unwelcome host.
Tanya gently nudged the kids toward the kitchen and, without raising her voice, said:
Kyrylo, go get Nika a drink and a glass for yourself. Theres juice in the fridge.
When the children disappeared behind the door, she turned to Ivan with resentment:
Arent you ashamed? Svytlana was my best friend! Do you think Ill leave her children in trouble? Imagine what theyre feeling now. Youre thirtyeight and you still call your mother whenever you can! Think of them!
Alright, I get it, but youre not planning to keep them in our home, are you? Ivan asked more calmly.
I am! I intend to obtain legal guardianship over them! They have no oneunderstand! Their father is missing, he wasnt even at the funeral.
Svytlana lost her parents early. She has an aunt, but the aunt refuses to take the kidsshes not young anymore. And we have no children of our own.
Tanya, Im your husband, remember? Dont you want to hear my opinion?
Van, whats up with you? Youre a good person. I know you. Otherwise I wouldnt have brought the kids without permission. Are you scared of the future expenses? Well manage!
Besides, the kids arent little anymore. Kyrylo will continue school, and well enroll Nika in kindergarten. Well hardly have to change our lifestyle!
Yes, but my mother Tanya! Shell be furious if she finds out! She already nags me about not having grandchildren!
I think your mother should stay out of our family affairs. We wanted to adopt a child anyway. Why take someone elses? Kyrylo and Nika know us, and we know them. Itll be easier for everyone.
Maybe youre right, of course, Tanya. But we planned to adopt one child! I stress: a baby! One! Okay, Nika shes still small. And Kyrylo? Hes a teenager! That brings problems!
Both of us were teenagers once. All issues were solved. We grew up and became responsible adults.
Fine, well sort it out as we go. Let them stay for now
Tanya kissed Ivans cheek loudly and smiled. She trusted her husband completely. He was always the same: complained, got irritated, grumbled, then accepted the situation and helped his wife with everything.
Tanya headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner while planning the next day: go to the guardianship office, collect work certificates and bank statements, gather paperwork
And so it wentan endless series of problems and chores unfolded. In movies, orphaned children instantly find families, but in reality a mountain of documents and confirmations is required.
They even considered placing Kyrylo and Nika temporarily in an orphanage, but Tanya and Ivan joined forces and defended the childrens right to stay with them.
There were no issues with Kyrylo and Nika. The little girl quickly distracted herself from sad thoughts with new toys and treats.
The boy found it harder. Ivan saw him barely holding back tears. One day he pulled him aside, placed a hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes, and said:
Kyrylo, I know it hurts. Im almost forty, and I cant imagine what would happen if something happened to my mother. But for Nikas sake you must stay strong.
If you need to cry or shout, tell me. Well go somewhere hidden so no one sees us. You cant keep that pain inside. And dont show it to Veronikashell get scared. Please, speak to me.
From then on Kyrylo treated Ivan with respect. Tanya watched them walking together repeatedly, then returning as close friends.
The family endured numerous inspections from various agencies. To prove they could support the children, the couple even took a loan, renovated a room, bought children’s furniture, toys, and new clothes.
They needed money to enroll Nika in a nearby kindergarten. When Kyrylo confessed he missed his friends from the sports club, the couple also covered that expense.
Finally, all the trials were passed. The children were officially placed under their guardianship. Ivan got a second job and had to settle debts.
Tanya found a side job teaching physics at a school and gave private lessons to struggling students for extra pay. Their financial difficulties were overcome
A year later, the children had adjusted to the new situation, forming close bonds with their guardians. Nika even called Tanya mom.
Even Ivans mother, Vera Mykolaivna, became friendly with the kids, despite her initial opposition.
Summer approached, and Ivan suggested:
How about a sea trip? Not to Odesalets go to Croatia! A lastminute tour just popped up. Ill call now and book us tickets.
Tanya agreed; she was exhausted after the year and wanted a break from worries. Ivan immediately made the arrangements.
Later, a colleague called Tanya, bored and chatting about nothing. During the call, Tanya mentioned the Croatia plans. The colleague sighed:
Lucky you! Ill be stuck at the dacha all summer Im short on money. You must be getting a lot of guardianship benefits, right? You can afford this!
Tanya was speechless. She suddenly saw herself through others eyes: greedy, opportunistic, mercenary. She took the kids just for the money! they might think.
She shared these thoughts with Ivan. He reflected and replied:
You know, Ive faced similar negativity. A friend recently said I could finally replace my car. He meant, You get childrens allowances, plenty of money, yet you still drive that old thing!
Yes, yesyour mother also told me I should finally see a dentist. She said my income rose, I should look after myself.
And Ivan would run from a neglected wife and other peoples kids. I thought she was just angry and wanted to push me away!
My boss? He told me not to count on extra days off. He said children are someone elses, and benefits belong only to those with their own kids! Can you believe that? I didnt even ask!
The neighbor? I met her on the stairwell recently. She asked if life had gotten easier now that we receive help, what bags were dragging from the store!
I didnt get the hint, I said: now there are four of us at home, I have to cook more! Kyrylo is always hungry, growing fast at his age!
So they all think we took the children for money? Ivan summed up.
Tanya shrugged:
Let them think what they want!
Maybe we shouldnt go to Croatia! Theyll think were spending childrens money! Everyone keeps asking if we managed to transfer the apartment to the kids!
They sympathize when I tell them your friend didnt have a home.
What should we do then? Tanya was at a loss.
She never thought about any profit. The pension the children received after losing their provider was saved in an account.
Kyrylo was about to enter university, dreaming of programminga field that always costs a lot.
We wont give up! Well go to Croatia! Let them think what they want! Everyone judges for themselves!
Soon the family set off for Croatia, enjoyed a wonderful vacation, and grew even closer. After returning home, Tanya felt illnausea and severe weakness.
Ivan feared she had caught something abroad and called an ambulance.
Tanya was taken for tests. Kyrylo was terrified, fearing hed lose the woman who had become his mother figure. He even cried. Shortly after, Tanya called Ivan, cheerfully announcing:
Van, you wont believe it! Were going to have a baby!
Tanya, my love, is that real? How can it happen? We thought we had no chances!
They say it can happen! Maybe its a gift from the heavens, from my friend, or someone higher up!
Tanya laughed joyfully, then grew serious:
Ivan, I hope you understand the children will continue living with us as before.
What other options are there? Kyrylo, Nika, come here! I have news! Youll soon have a sisteror a brother!
Hooray! the children erupted in delighted shrieks.
In that burst of emotion were joy, love, hope, and happiness
A moving story with a happy ending. Share your thoughts in the comments and give it a like.
