She found a lost phone and returned it to its owner. Yet when he saw the pendant around his neck, he froze
Scanning the area quickly, she grabbed a hoodie, slipped it over her shoulders, and sprinted out of the house toward the yard.
Ali, where are you going? her grandmothers frail voice called. Not for long, grandma!
At the doorway, two neighbors watched the girl with uneasy eyes. Is she causing trouble again?
Alisa returned the greeting without malice. Perhaps she could wait for her morning irritability to pass somewhere on the street.
She walked slowly along the sidewalk that led to the nearby shop, occasionally kicking small stones. The same thought churned in her mind:
If my mother were still alive He wouldnt treat me like this.
Alisas mother, Anna, had died a year earlier. An intoxicated driver fell asleep at the wheel, and his car slammed into a publictransport stop at full speed. Anna and three others were killed instantly; several passengers were seriously injured. The driver only awoke when rescuers surrounded him.
After the funeral came the question: who would care for the girl? Her grandparents flatly refused.
Were too old to raise a teenager, the grandmother said. Kids today are a handful, and our health isnt what it used to be
Please, say something, the woman begged, turning to her husband. We cant manage. Let her stay with Dima; he adopted her anyway.
Dmitry, Annas husband, had legally adopted Alisa at birth, but he never regarded her as his own child. He didnt hurt her; he simply ignored her. At first she called him dad, but one day he sternly told her, Im not your father. Call me Uncle Dima, understand?
Alisa once wanted to ask her mother who her real father was, but Anna only laughed at the question. After Annas death, Dmitry began drinking more often.
When Alisa turned seven, school became inevitable.
More than half my salary goes to you, the stepfather snarled, throwing a new backpack stuffed with textbooks, notebooks, and office supplies onto the bed. Now youll help. Youll cook, clean, everything. The house runs on you.
Sure, who else but me? Alisa thought, but she nodded silently to avoid a fight.
Dmitry then started sending her to the shop to buy food, after arranging with the cashier that she wouldnt be asked too many questions. At first Alisa felt embarrassed, but she grew accustomed to it. Occasionally the cashier would slip her a treat out of kindness.
Again, she walked the familiar route to the store, crossing the parking lot. Out of the corner of her eye she saw something glinta mobile phone.
She bent down, picked it up from the ground.
Whoa! she exclaimed. And it isnt even scratched!
She pressed the power buttonmiraculously, it turned on and the screen stayed unlocked. She sat on a bench near the shop and opened the contacts list. Most entries were company names ending in LLC or JSC, followed by surnames. Finally she found one labeled Wife. She dialed it.
After a few rings, someone answered.
Hello, good afternoon! I found your husbands phone, Alisa said calmly.
How did you know who to call? the voice asked.
It wasnt locked. Thats how I found it, Alisa explained.
Okay, where are you now? Ill come get it.
Sure, but dont look for anything else, alright? Alisa felt a sting of offense.
Fine, fine. Im on my way.
She gave the address and hung up. As soon as the phone powered down, it vibrated. The screen displayed: Shnobel. Alisa laughed involuntarily, remembering a kindergarten boy with a big nose that her stepfather used to call Shnobel, the nosebug.
Hello, she answered. Its my phone! Im calling through a friend.
Oh, from Shnobel?
Exactly! So you said your wife is coming?
Shes almost here. Shes on her way.
Wait, whats your name?
Alisa.
Alright, Alisa. Dont give the phone away. Ill be there soon. Where can I find you?
Alisa began to explain but was cut off.
I know where you are. I was there an hour ago; you probably dropped it while getting into the car. Wait!
The call ended. Alisa slipped the phone under her hoodie and waited. Soon a foreign red car stopped, and a beautiful woman stepped out. Alisa was momentarily stunned by the womans elegance. The woman looked around, then approached her.
Hi, are you the one who called me?
No, Alisa said, stepping aside. Ill be back in a minute.
Impatient! the woman snapped, irritated. Im in a hurry!
A teasing male voice rang from behind them.
What am I doing here? the voice mocked.
Turning, the woman saw a tall darkhaired man, his expression serious yet slightly mocking.
Didnt you come for the money on my card? he began. Sure you sprinted here when you heard the phone wasnt locked?
Whoa, whoa, he tried to joke, but it was clear hed hit a nerve.
He sat beside Alisa.
Thanks for finding my phone. Youre a decent girl. Tell your motheryou should be proud of you.
I dont have a mother, Alisa whispered, bowing her head.
She unzipped her hoodie and pulled the phone out. The man reached for it, then froze, his gaze fixed on the pendant around her neck: a tiny resincoated maple leaf with a ladybug at its base.
The womans face tightened as she saw his reaction. She closed her eyes as if trying to ward off memories; when she opened them, every muscle in her face seemed to protest.
Where did you get that pendant? she asked coldly, picking it up delicately with two fingers. The touch caused her pain, and she quickly let the jewel go. Alisa jumped back, frightened.
My mother gave it to me when she was alive I have to go home.
She leapt from the bench and ran. The man called after her.
Wait! My name is Roman Maksimovich. How can I thank you?
No need. Goodbye.
Alisa fled, thinking, Why did she react so oddly to my pendant?
She recalled how her mother had placed it on her at age five:
Foxling, may it bring you the same joy I feel.
What kind of joy?
You, fool! Youre my joy!
Anna twirled her daughter around the room, laughing and kissing her cheeks.
Alisa kept walking, unaware that Roman was watching her from a respectful distance. He had sent his wife home and now felt an inexplicable attraction to the girl.
When Alisa passed a pair of elderly women seated on a bench and disappeared into an entrance, Roman approached them.
Good evening, excuse me. Could you tell me which apartment the girl who just entered lives in?
Who are you? one asked suspiciously. I just wanted to return some money. It fell in the shop and I couldnt give it back right away. Heres the receipt.
Oh, its something else then, the women softened. Poor Aliska, with a stepfather like that He must have bothered her again today. Go up and give her the money.
They narrated all they knew about the girls family. At that moment, the sound of broken dishes and a drunken scream erupted from upstairs.
Aliska, brat! Where are you hiding? the stepfathers hoarse, angry voice boomed from the hallway. Ill break your ears!
Roman sprinted to the correct floor in seconds and knocked on the door. It opened on its own. Dmitry stood in the doorway: gaunt, eyes bloodshot, reeking of alcohol.
Who are you? What do you want? he growled, eyeing Roman.
Roman said nothing. He simply pushed past the man and entered. Inside, he saw Alisa curled up in the corner of the sofa. She looked up, meeting his gaze, which was filled with tenderness. Without a word, he stood, took her hand, and headed for the exit.
Dmitry intercepted them at the doorway.
Where are you going?! he barked, his voice turning into a cough.
Roman calmly placed his palm on Dmitrys forehead, applying gentle pressure. Dmitry lost his balance and slipped slowly to the floor.
Did you kill him? Alisa whispered fearfully, glancing at the motionless stepfather.
No! Youre talking nonsense. You cant kill a man like that easily, Roman smiled kindly. Hell sleep and wake up. Did he hurt you?
Alisa shook her head. Dmitry wasnt a villain; he was simply a man unable to bear his own pain. Larisa, her mothers best friend, used to ask the same question.
Alisa, my girl, Larisa had said after the funeral. Heres my number. If he starts harassing you, call me immediately. Dont stay at home any longer than necessary.
Later, Larisa visited several times until one day Dmitry, drunk, caught her:
Trying to rent an apartment here?! Well take care of it! Get out!
Since then, the woman waited for Alisa only outside.
Romans house impressed Alisa. It wasnt huge, but it had everything: light, comfort, a magazineworthy beauty. Shed never seen anything like it.
Irina greeted them in casual clothes, yet even she seemed unattainably beautiful. Her voice was sweet, but her eyes lacked warmth.
Hello again, she said, leading Alisa to a room. This will be your temporary home.
The word temporary stabbed Alisas heart. What then? An orphanage? she wondered, but decided shed run at the first chance.
The room was larger than her previous apartment. It held a bed, wardrobe, dresser, computer, TV, and a fulllength mirror. Alisa sat on the windowsill, watching outside when someone knocked softly.
May I come in? Roman asked.
Of course, she replied.
He entered, closed the door, and looked at her seriously.
I need to know more about your mother. What was her name? What did she do? Did she have friends? Anyone who remembers her well?
His expression was focused, almost reverent. Alisa recounted everything she knew and gave Larisas phone number. Roman listened, nodding occasionally. At one point she thought his eyes glimmered, but she dismissed it.
Thank you, he said, gently patting her head. Make yourself comfortable. Ill call when dinner is ready. Everything here is yours.
Alisa watched TV, explored the room, then decided to check the house. Near the kitchen she overheard a conversation between Roman and Irina. The woman looked visibly irritated.
Why did you bring her here? Think youre saving everyone? What if the stepfather calls the police? What then?
Come on! Were just helping a girl. You should see where she lives. No one can live there.
The stepfather isnt her father. Are you sure you want to get involved?
I dont want to, but Im already involved. I cant turn my back.
Then make him pay for the phone and leave. Nothing more!
Sometimes I wonder why I married you.
Because Im smart, pretty, and practical. Someone has to think for both of us, Irina answered bluntly.
Roman simply shook his head and changed the subject to food.
Ill go feed Alisa.
Hearing her name, the girl rushed back to the room and sat in front of the TV, pretending shed been there all along. One thing was clear: Irina wasnt a friend. Alisa needed to stay cautious.
After dinner, Alisa returned to her room and reflected. At home she always knew what to expect from her stepfather; here she felt like a stranger.
Meanwhile, Roman texted Larisa:
Larisa, its about Alisa and her mother. I need to talk. Half an hour at the café?
She replied quickly; they arranged to meet.
At the café, Roman recognized Larisa instantly: she sat by the window, her gaze calm and interested rather than angry.
Im Roman. Im the one who wrote to you, he introduced himself.
She measured him with a memoryfilled smile.
Hello. How can I help?
He sat, a little nervous, and began:
Did you know Anna well?
We were very close, she answered.
Then let me tell you a story. Tell me if it rings a bell.
Larisa settled in, ready to listen.
Eight years ago I met a girl love at first sight. I met her in a field where locals were gathering hay. I worked in an epoxy resin workshop, and she stood among the grasstall, supple, longhaired. Her name was Anya.
I saw her every day. We walked, talked I didnt rush. When she decided, it happened.
Then she disappeared. No one knew where. Perhaps her parents took her, or she entered a monastery nonsense. Before she left, I gave her a pendant: a maple leaf Id found, sealed in resin, with a ladybug attached, strung on a cord. She was as happy as a child.
Today I saw that same pendant on Alisas neck. I know her mother is dead, but could there be a real father? Maybe we should find him.
Roman waited for her reaction. Larisas expression shifted, as if a sudden revelation lit her thoughts.
Ill tell you, she began, taking his hand. Anya and I became friends when she was already married to Dmitry and raising little Alisa. We grew close, perhaps because we both felt lonely. She had a husband; I didnt.
One day she skipped her mothers birthday. Relatives called and scolded her. She turned off her phone and came to me, sitting in the kitchen crying.
They wanted her to smile, but she couldnt. Mom ruined my life, she said. Dad always spoiled her. Yet she loved another manolder, tender, kind. He visited almost daily and gave her a pendant a maple leaf with a ladybug.
She showed it to me, and I instantly understood its uniqueness, its soul.
She later checked if Alisa was asleep and continued:
He wanted us together, but I dared not. Mom flatout refused, saying he wasnt of our circle, just a village craftsman, insignificant. To me, he meant everything.
When I learned I was pregnant with his child, I was ecstatic, almost losing my mind, Larisa recalled. When I told Mom, she exploded: Dad will be furious! Your lover is a disgrace to the family! And now a child catastrophe! She demanded an abortion. I refused.
She then suggested I marry the son of a wealthy family friend, so no one would suspect the child wasnt hers. I tried to resist, but eventually said Id find a way to tell the truth about our daughter.
If you do that, youll never see her again, her mother warned. If you marry Dmitry, hell adopt the girl. No one will ever know she isnt his. Her father is influential; everything can be arranged.
Anya returned home already married, child in arms, never mentioning Alisas father. But I know she loved him till the end. Its tragic how fate treated her.
Larisa looked at Roman, awaiting his response. The room felt tense, as if something inside her was collapsing and rebuilding.
Wait she whispered, voice trembling. So Alisa is my daughter?!
At that moment Romans phone buzzed, displaying Wife. He inhaled, processed, then answered quickly:
What? How did she disappear? I took her out when that guy was shouting and chasing her for vodka! We ate, she watched TV and now shes gone?
Roman sprang to his feet.
Maybe she just left? he asked, trying not to panic. I dont know If she didnt come back to you, perhaps shes here, at my place.
Larisa, determined, told him to follow her out.
They hurried to the parking lot.
Do you have a car?
Yes, but walking might be faster.
She pulled him toward the building. On the landing, sitting on the windowsill with legs dangling, was Alisa.
My girl! Larisa exclaimed, hugging her.
Alisa burst into tears, burying her face in her stomach.
Aunt Larisa, I dont know what to do!
Larisa gently stroked her head, whispering that everything would be alright, then guided her into her apartment, the silence enveloping them. Only after entering did Alisa notice Roman.
She looked at Larisa, questioning. The woman simply nodded.
All three entered the cozy, cool hallway. Roman instantly realized the woman lived alone; the space felt feminine, tidy, with no trace of a male presence.
Larisa stayed silent. It wasnt her choice to speak or not; Roman would decide whether to reveal the truth. One thing was clear: the girl deserved a real father.
Alisa, Roman finally said, I have something important to tell you. It will change both our lives.
Are you going to send me to an orphanage anyway? Alisas lips trembled, tears welling.
No, God, no! Larisa exclaimed, barely holding back emotion.
Summoning courage, Roman declared:
Im your father. Your real father. I didnt know you existed until I saw the pendant I gave your mother years ago.
Alisa froze. Larisa turned away, hiding her tears. The room was thick with tension, pain, and a flicker of hope.
The phone rang again; the screen showed Wife.
What? Did you find her? the angry voice of Irina demanded. If so, hurry and bring her back. How dare she behave like this!
Irina, Roman said firmly, Alisa is my daughter. Choose your words carefully.
What? What are you talking about? Are you crazy? Drop everything and come home now!
Either you lower your tone, or well learn to communicate differently, he replied coldly before hanging up.
It seems they left me, he said, almost joyfully, looking at Larisa and Alisa. Maybe tomorrow well order a cake andAnd together, at last, they built a true family, each heart finally finding the home it had long been searching for.
