Mom, dad, hello, you asked us to come over, whats happening? Marina and her husband Tolya burst into their parents apartment.
In fact, the events began long ago. Mom had been ill, suffering from a serious diseasestage two
She completed a round of chemotherapy followed by radiation. She entered remission, and her hair had begun to grow back. Yet it was still too early to relax; her condition worsened again.
Marina, Tolya, good evening, come in, Mom, pale and thin like a child, said.
Kids, have a seat. We have an unusual request, please listen to Mom, Dad, a bit flustered, added.
Marina and Tolya sat on the couch, eyes fixed on Mom. Irina sighed, glanced at her husband Borya as if seeking support.
Marina, Tolya, dont be surprised; I have a rather odd favor to ask. In short were pleading with you.
Please adopt a boy for us, both of us. Were past the age limit and have other reasons.
A brief silence fell.
Their daughter was the first to speak:
Mom, I think youll be shocked; weve wanted to tell you for a while. Tolik and I really want a son, and we already have two daughtersyour granddaughters with dad.
Theres no guarantee the third child will be a boy. But its not just that; my health isnt what it used to be.
Masha had a Csection. Doctors advise against another pregnancy. Weve even considered adopting a little boy from an orphanage.
A sweet little son to join our family. And suddenly you say the same thing, Mom. Where did these thoughts come from?
Marina, I dont even know where to begin, Irina ran her trembling hand over the sprouting hair on her head, the truth is, Ive felt worse again.
Then my friend, Aunt Nadia from my old job, came to see meremember her? She once had a mole hanging over her eye, almost covering it.
They warned her it needed removal, that it might turn malignant. Now Nadia is here, the mole is gone, she looks fine.
She visited Grandma Zinas village, talked with her, and then Nadia suggested we go to Zina. People from other towns travel to her; shes helped many. I wondered what I was missing, so we went.
Marina and Tolik listened to Moms story, holding their breath, though they didnt quite grasp where it was heading.
So, children, Irina continued, Grandma Zina immediately asked me a strange questiondo I have a son?
When she heard I have one daughter, Marina, and two beloved granddaughters, Masha and Tanya, Grandma Zina pressed furtherwhat happened to the daughter?
I was surprised, because no one except Dad and me knew Id had a lateterm miscarriage. A son was expected, the firstborn, for you, Marina.
But he didnt survive, Irina fidgeted nervously with the edge of her shirt.
And then? Marina looked at Mom with wide eyes.
Then, as Grandma Zina advised, adopt a boy. She left, and tears fell, as if I were guilty for not being able to keep my first son.
Now I must give warmth and love to another child, to restore the balance thats been broken.
And you know what? I listened to my own heart I truly want this. My husband and I can provide a child with love, warmth, everything he needs!
Not just to help us heal. I simply realized I want to save at least one little life from orphanhood and loneliness. Do you understand?
Mom, I get it and Im fully behind you, Marina, tears streaming, rushed to hug her mother, lets do it!
Marina and Tolik had already spoken with the director of the orphanage about adopting a boy, and they were invited to meet the children.
Irina and Borys, of course, went too. In the playroom, kids three years old and older were sitting on a carpet, playing.
Mom, look at that blond boy, he looks like you, see how carefully he builds a tower? He even sticks his tongue out while concentrating, Marina whispered, pointing to a child on the floor.
Irina looked and liked him as well. Then, from a corner of the room, an indistinct voice sounded.
Irina turned in the side corner stood an older boy with sad eyes, murmuring softly.
Are you talking to us? Speak a bit louder, I didnt catch that, Irina asked.
The boy took a step forward and repeated, Auntie, please take me, I promise youll never regret it. Take me
Marina and Tolik quickly completed the paperwork and adopted Mykyta. Masha and Tanya were thrilled to have a little brother.
Mykyta settled in fast, calling Marina mom and Tolik dad. He often visited Grandma Ira and Grandpa Borya, who lived nearby, and he could walk to school from there.
He called Irina oddly, not grandma but mom Ira. For some reason he chose that name. She, breath held, watched Mykyta, feeling as if he truly were the son who hadnt survived.
Doctors urged Irina to start a new treatment cycle, but it didnt help; her condition kept deteriorating.
Mykyta looked into her eyes, gently stroking his short hair.
Mom Ira, why are you sick? I want you to get better!
I dont know, Mykyta, sometimes that happens, but Ill try to recover, I promise you, Irina liked how he called her mom Ira.
Borys talked to the surgeon, who insisted on an operation.
What are the chances? Borys asked.
The doctor was blunt:
Fifty out of fifty. Well do everything possible, and that will save her.
So Borys and Irina decided to go ahead.
On the day of the surgery everyone was on edge. Marina kept calling Dad nonstop. Dad arranged with the doctor to be informed as soon as they knew anything, and Borys felt like he was on pins and needles.
He suddenly realized he didnt know where Mykyta was. Borys found the boy in their bedroom, near the chair where Irinas nightgown lay.
Mykyta didnt hear Borys enter; he was sitting on the floor, his face buried in Irinas nightgown, crying softly, repeating:
Mom Ira, dont go, I dont want to lose you again, please! I want you to stay with me forever, mom Ira!
The phone rang, startling both Borys and Mykyta.
The surgeons voice was tired and joyless, and Borys felt his heart sink to the floor
Could it be over? Did Irina not survive the operation?
Borys? This is Mykhailo Ivanovich. The surgery was difficult, but it ended successfully; your wife made it through.
She was on the brink; Ive never seen anything like it, as if someone from above was helping her when it seemed her life might slip away.
Congratulations, it looks like she has more time ahead, something to live for
Thank you, thank you, doctor! Borys embraced Mykyta.
You understand, everythings fine, Mom Ira is alive, alive! How wonderful that youre here, little one.
Sorry, I heard you were pleading for Mom Ira, thank you, my dear son!
