Єva had worked as a teacher all her life, but her pension was so low that she had to sell vegetables at the market. Her son-in-law brought a new wife into his apartment. Єva helped him as much as she could.
Mom, I am ashamed in front of you, you are working 24 hours a day in the vegetable garden and at the market, – said Emili. – Why don’t you have a rest? I’ll help you take care of your grandchildren while you still have strength. You’re not far away and in a few days you’ve weeded half the vegetable garden. I couldn’t do it alone,” the woman said. – And Jacques needs to buy new shoes for school. Because I can’t go to school in my old shoes.
That’s how they lived, helping each other. They believed that one day there would be a holiday on their street. Of course, if Emili could “walk on his head”, he would not suffer alone.
One morning Єva went out to trade. Her store was a trump store. The other shopkeepers knew it, including Liusia, an old acquaintance of the teacher’s. Liusia took Єvi’s place.
Why are you sleeping so much? Sorry, I’ve already taken your place. It will take you an hour to pack and another hour to unpack, so look for other options today,” Lucia said. Eva didn’t object.
Lucia sat down nearby and began to sort through Єvi’s things. She found out that her neighbor was selling her apartment.
So is your brother-in-law. Didn’t he come back? – Sofia asked.
He didn’t come back,” she sighed. – He has his own life now.
Today’s young people don’t need parents or children. They want to live for themselves. Mine hasn’t married yet, and I’m already running around the mountains,” said a neighbor.
We lost track of time during these conversations. After lunch, a young man in strange clothes appeared at the market.
He did not sit down. – Lucia was dumbfounded, and all the vendors looked at the newcomer with fear. The man walked towards Єvi’s shop.
As he approached Єvi’s goods, he opened his pocket and asked:
“Auntie, I don’t have any money. Can I borrow some apples?
Here you go. Auntie, I don’t have any money. – Auntie shrugged her shoulders and replied.
Auntie, I need to go home from a place that is not so far away. Don’t be afraid, I am not a murderer. I fell in love with a woman as a child and went to jail.
Why don’t my parents help me? Why are you walking home alone?
I understand. I just don’t feel like calling you. I want to surprise you.
Is it far? – She asked.
Ulyanovsk.
Very far away.
Then the ex-convict went somewhere. Not far from the market square was a train station. Єva saw a man talking to the driver and approached him.
Auntie. Lend me some money. Otherwise I won’t be able to go home. The man looked at her pleadingly and said:
Don’t be afraid, I will pay you back as soon as I earn money.
I need a lot of money. – A thousand dollars.
Єva generously held out the bills under the surprised looks of the other salesmen.
You don’t have to walk, just take it,” she said.
Thank you. I’ll be sure to pay you back,” he said.
I’m Paul, what’s your name?
I’m Eva Fedorovna.
Thank you, Eva Fyodorovna, – he thanked her again and went to the bus.
What a fool you are, Eva. I won’t give you anything back,” the neighbor said.
We have to help each other. – Besides, he’s not human.
Єва said goodbye to Sofia and went home. At the end of the week Emilie had a fever. Her mother picked herbs from the garden and treated him as best she could.
In the evening her granddaughter came running with a book in her hands and pulled her by the arm:
Grandmother, read me a story. – Єva pulls her hand: – Grandma, read me a story.
It began to rain outside. Emili was setting the table when she heard the sound of wood being kindled. The family was about to have dinner. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. The women turned around.
We didn’t think anyone was home. – It’s all right, it’s all right. – An unfamiliar man opened the door and came in. Paul.
Yes, it’s me, Eva Feodorovna. I apologize for not being able to pay you back right away. I’ve been very busy lately.
I wouldn’t have recognized you without those eyes. – The old lady laughed. – You look so respectable. In a suit, clean-shaven, very tidy, you look different.
Would you like to join us for dinner? – Emilie, a little embarrassed, made the guest an offer.
At the table, Paul told the story of how he ended up in prison. He was unjustly sentenced to three years in prison.
If you need anything, come to my clinic,” he concluded, giving Emilie a curious look.
A week later, a familiar car pulled up in front of Eva’s house and Paul got out with a large bouquet of flowers.
Look out the window, girl. Your fiancé has arrived,” said her mother, peering through a gap in the curtains. – ‘You’ll be married soon.
That’s how it is. I see there’s a holiday on our street, too,” laughed Emilie, clutching little Lecia to her breast.
