Father Oksana asked us not to come to the wedding. She says shell be embarrassed about her countryfolk,
How could this be? Valusha, Ive been waiting for this dayhanding my daughter over to a husband. And she doesnt want to see us, shes ashamed Whats happening?
Hello, Mom, Viktor has asked me to marry him, can you believe it? Ive always dreamed of joining his family!
Valentina was overjoyed for her daughter. Oksana was clever and beautiful. Her parents always supported her. After school she wanted to enroll in a modeling academy; her looks and figure suited it.
But tuition required money. Her father sold a few calves and pigs, just enough to cover the fees. Oksana seldom returned to the village; city life had swept her away like a whirlwind. She began to earn on her own, taking part in photo shoots and runway shows. Her parents were glad their daughter was taken care of.
Viktor was the only son of a highranking official; his father never said no. Oksana never introduced Viktors parents to her own, nor invited them to the city. She claimed that she and Viktor led a busy life, often traveling abroad.
Valentina worked as a school cleaner and frequently boasted about her daughters photographs at work.
Valya, why wont Oksana bring her groom to meet us? Is she shy about her parents?
Oh, Alina, Oksana loves us and her father a lot.
When was the last time she visited? Can you even recall? Does she call often?
Just last week she calledshes getting married. We need to think about money for a gift and about what to wear.
***
Oksana, when will you and the groom come and introduce us? Your father prepared his own dish; hed love to share it with his soninlaw.
Mom, theres nothing to tastehe doesnt drink. We have no time to travel; were busy preparing for the wedding, theres so much to do.
When is the wedding, dear? We also have to get ready and buy clothing.
Mom, you know what dont come to our wedding. Think about itViktor comes from a wealthy family, the whole high society will be there, and you youll keep bringing pigs for a living. Imagine the contrast! You look and act like villagers, you dont know how to behave in polite society. Just picture what Ill feel.
Alright, dear, you wont see us.
Valentina couldnt find the words to tell her husband. He had been anticipating this day, hoping to see his beloved daughter in a wedding dress and wish her happiness. Their home walls were covered with pictures of Oksana; her father remembered the exact dates each photo was taken and often admired his beautiful daughter.
Father Oksana asked us not to attend the wedding. She says shell be ashamed of her countryparents.
How can this be? Valusha Ive waited my whole life for this moment, to give my daughter away. She doesnt want to see us, shes embarrassed whats happening?
Mykhailo turned pale. Valentina gave him a glass of water; he had heart problems.
Mykhailo, dont worry well manage, its not the end of the world.
That night an ambulance had to be called; he was deeply upset.
You know what, Val? Well still go to the wedding and greet themwe have a right! Shell point us out, shell say where to go.
Valentina was reluctant, but she saw she couldnt stop her husband. Finding the wedding date and venue was easy; Viktor was a public figure and the ceremony details were online. Val asked a coworker to look it up because they had no internet at home.
She borrowed a beautiful dress from a friend, bought Mykhailo a new suit, and on the wedding day they drove to the city. They entered the restaurant while the ceremony was in full swing and guests were congratulating the couple.
Valentina and her husband, bouquet in hand, quietly stepped into the hall. When the master of ceremonies asked who else wanted to greet the newlyweds, Mykhailo shouted, We do!
The host invited them forward.
Viktor and Oksana, congratulations on your marriage! May you live long and happily, and may your children always remember their roots, who they are, and where they come fromhonor and respect your parents, never be ashamed of them. Cheers!
Mykhailo placed the bouquet on the table where the bride and groom sat, took his wifes hand, and left the hall.
Viktor looked at Oksana in surprise.
Who are these people, Oksana?
Theyre my relatives.
Viktor caught up with Mykhailo and his wife.
Where are you going? Stay for the wedding! Oksana said she has no relatives; after her parents died she doesnt talk to anyone.
How could her parents be dead? Were still alive.
Youre Oksanas parents? Why would she lie?
Shes ashamed of us, Viktor. Were simple folk, not made for high society, we have no money, we dont know proper mannersso she deceived us to avoid embarrassment.
Im sorry this happened I didnt know forgive me.
Viktor, I see youre a good man. Dont hurt Oksana, live happily!
Alright, motherinlaw. Well certainly visit you and fix this awkward situation. Lets go back to the hall, stay a while!
No, well leave. We dont want to spoil our daughters celebration. She didnt want us to see her; we appeared uninvited.
Three months passed. Oksana never called her parents or came back.
Valentina was hanging laundry in the yard when a taxi pulled up. Oksana stepped out, suitcase in hand, while Valentina kept on hanging the clothes.
Mom, hi. Im here. Are you happy to see me?
Hello. Why are you here?
What do you mean? I just came home.
Oh home, then.
Is dad in the house?
Hes at the cemetery.
What are you joking, Mom?
Its no joke. Even though you buried us earlier, your father actually passed two months ago. He couldnt stand the betrayal from his daughter. Ill never forgive you for that. You took my husband and my daughter away. Go back; you have no place here anymore.
Oksana entered the house. Silence. Her fathers bed was empty, his photos gone from the walls. Everything felt foreign, as if she hadnt lived there for seventeen years.
Mom, I couldnt come earlier. Viktor and I spent three months abroad on an island with terrible signal. He yelled at me for lying. Also were getting divorced; were too different. Three months living together was enough to realize it. Im thinking of returning abroad, signing a contract with an agency. The world didnt turn out right for Viktor.
Live as you wish, Oksana. Goodbye.
She shut the gate and left.
Valentina entered the house and burst into tears. How could this happen to the girl who had been so kind and gentle as a child? Their daughter was gone; they would have to get used to it. Oksana had made her choice. Valentina wept, staring out the window for a long time. Better to be alone than have a daughter like this.
