{"id":58135,"date":"2025-05-06T16:03:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T16:03:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/?p=58135"},"modified":"2025-05-06T16:03:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T16:03:01","slug":"after-her-son-was","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/?p=58135","title":{"rendered":"After her son was."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe baby is almost here,\u201d the midwife said, wiping the sweat from Galina\u2019s cheeks.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Galina clinched her teeth and grabbed her mother\u2019s hand. A terrible agony surged through her, but she remained mute, scared of upsetting the neighbor\u2019s children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cViktor should have returned long ago,\u201d she rasped. \u201cHe only went out for baby shirts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her mother massaged the moist strands on her brow. \u201cDon\u2019t think about it now. \u201cOne more push\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The newborn fell into the midwife\u2019s arms and burst out a loud, confident cry, as if introducing himself to the world. Sergei\u2019s first howl was heard by everyone, including Grandma, Mama, and the midwife. Everyone but his father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a boy, Galya! \u201cA sturdy little walnut.\u201d Grandma smiled as she accepted the bundled grandchild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid you go to the police?\u201d The neighbor who had offered the expecting mother a ride home inquired politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe did,\u201d she answered. \u201cThey say it happens often these days\u2014people leave and just disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viktor couldn\u2019t just vanish. He promised to come back with baby clothes. He had mentioned teaching his son to fish and erecting a swing in the yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The house greeted her with coldness. Galina hugged Sergei with one arm and lit the stove with the other. In the corner was Viktor\u2019s constructed cot, which he had managed to put together before leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She didn\u2019t get much sleep that first night. She stepped onto the porch, staring into the darkness. Would she see headlights? Do you hear familiar footsteps?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Village women whispered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe abandoned her. Sure he did. Men do that now\u2014head for the city and disappear.\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRan from his duties. Still young\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But others disagreed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cViktor wasn\u2019t like that. He wouldn\u2019t just up and leave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe something happened? Times are dangerous\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina didn\u2019t listen to anyone. By day, she went through the motions: feeding the baby, changing diapers. By night, she sat by the window, peering into the darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Within a month, her money had run out. She sold the gold earrings, which had been Victor\u2019s wedding gift. The sewing machine was next up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring you some milk,\u201d neighbor Nina said. \u201cMy cow provides generously. \u201cThe baby needs it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll work it off,\u201d Galina said firmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei spent her first night without crying when she was two months old. She sat with her sleeping kid and considered what to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll manage,\u201d she said quietly, kissing his plump cheek. \u201cPapa will come back\u2014and if he doesn\u2019t, we\u2019ll still manage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The morning found her hanging an old-dress curtain in the window, heating water to bathe her son in a washtub while humming a lullaby, and settling down to submit an application for a teaching position at the village school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life moved on\u2014without Viktor, but with a developing hope based less on waiting for him and more on believing in herself.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sergei sat at the final desk, squeezing his pencil against his notebook. Even at age eight, math was difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSergei Kotov, finished your sums?\u201d The teacher inquired, stopping by his seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlmost, Maria Ivanovna\u2014just need a bit more time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She sighed and glanced at the clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFive more minutes, then we check.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei bent over the problems again. His gigantic hand-me-down rubber boots, hidden beneath the desk, were too embarrassing to reveal. After class, he dashed home, jumping over puddles. Mama should return early\u2014new books were arriving at the school library, and she had promised to bring a math text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The house smelt like boiling potatoes. Mama stood at the stove, stirring a stew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow was school?\u201d she inquired without turning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Sergei remarked as he dropped his knapsack on the bench. \u201cGot an A in reading.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina turned, her haggard expression brightening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell done!\u201d \u201cWhat did you read?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA story about a boy who defended the Motherland.\u201d He sat at the table. \u201cMom, was Dad brave?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina froze for a second before setting the ladle down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery brave,\u201d she replied softly. \u201cThe bravest of all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rain beat against the sill, creating a comforting sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be brave, too,\u201d Sergei stated. \u201cAnd strong\u2014to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina rushed over and hugged him tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou already help,\u201d she said softly, kissing his crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei sprung up like a young birch, gathering strength. By twelve, he\u2019d swung an axe, brought water from the well, and repaired fences. His school jacket sleeves barely reached his wrists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMama, I need a new coat,\u201d he said at supper. \u201cThis one\u2019s way too small.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina set down her fork and studied him. By kerosene-lamp light\u2014electricity was out again\u2014he looked strikingly like Viktor: same eyes, same stubborn chin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d she nodded. \u201cSaturday we\u2019ll go to the district center and buy one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo we have the money?\u201d Sergei frowned. \u201cMaybe I can manage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have it,\u201d she said firmly. She didn\u2019t mention that she knitted socks at night for sale, sold goat\u2019s milk to a middle-man, and cleaned the council office on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei understood without words. Classmates admired him; no one ventured to taunt the sole fatherless child dressed in hand-me-downs. In fifth school, he bloodied Kolya Zhdanov\u2019s nose for criticizing his mother, and everyone stayed away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour dad was the strongest fellow in the village,\u201d neighbor Kolya said once as they worked on the porch together. \u201cA real hero.\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat do you think happened to him?\u201d Sergei asked quietly while hammering a nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kolya scratched his head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, lad. But it was not his choice. He wasn\u2019t like that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei nodded. He never raised the subject with his mother\u2014he saw how it hurt her\u2014but in his mind he often pictured his father as a hero, fallen on some mission. At fourteen Sergei brought home his first wages, earned clearing forest paths for the ranger all summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor you, Mama,\u201d he said, laying worn banknotes on the table. \u201cFor winter supplies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina froze, staring at the money. Outside, the first snow veiled the garden; logs crackled in the stove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know you work for the two of us,\u201d Sergei said quietly. \u201cNow I\u2019ll help as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking up at him, Galina saw not a boy but a young man\u2014with Viktor\u2019s determination in his eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d she managed, holding back tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That evening, after Sergei went to bed, she took out an old photograph of Viktor grinning, his arm around her shoulders. On the back, faded ink said, \u201cTo my one and only.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s growing as strong as you,\u201d she muttered to the image. \u201cAs kind, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei adjusted his tie and looked at the damaged mirror. It portrayed a broad-shouldered youth with a firm chin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mama had tailored the dark-blue jacket from Viktor\u2019s long-kept suit, and it fit perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He turned eighteen today. Evening guests were expected, but first came the final bell of school\u2014graduation. University loomed, though he hadn\u2019t yet chosen where.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMama, do you need the water heated?\u201d he called, stepping from his room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina stood at the stove, stirring. Over the years her hair had silvered and wrinkles traced what was once smooth, yet her posture remained straight, her gaze firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlready heated,\u201d she smiled. \u201cWhat a handsome man\u2014quite the bridegroom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMama, stop\u2026\u201d Sergei blushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShura Bondareva keeps looking at you,\u201d Galina teased. \u201cNotice?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEnough, Mama\u2026\u201d He waved her off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A knock sounded. Sergei glanced at the clock\u2014it was barely six a.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho calls this early?\u201d Galina mumbled while cleaning her hands on her apron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei opened the door.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A tall stranger in a dark overcoat stood on the step, which was unusual for the season. Silver threaded between his temples, leaving profound creases on his cheeks. He handled himself with calm dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood morning,\u201d he remarked gently while eyeing Sergei. \u201cIs this the Kotov residence?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Sergei said nervously, blocking the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man nodded and moved to a car parked at the gate\u2014a black sedan with tinted windows. Sergei had not noticed. He grabbed a tiny luggage and returned to the porch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is from Viktor Kotov,\u201d he explained, presenting the case. \u201cHe asked that it be delivered on his son\u2019s eighteenth birthday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind Sergei, there was a crash of broken glassware. He turned to see his mother standing in the kitchen doorway, her face devoid of color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you\u2014do you know where he is?\u201d Galina\u2019s voice quivered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man removed his glasses. His eyes were worn and sorrowful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cViktor was long gone. He only begged that this reach his son when the time came. I don\u2019t know anything more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He turned and walked back to the car. Sergei\u2019s thoughts was full of words, but none of them came out of his mouth. Galina placed a hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBring it inside,\u201d she said quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The suitcase was quite heavy. Sergei placed it on the kitchen table. They focused on the scuffed brown leather, the metal corners, and the old-fashioned lock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOpen it,\u201d Galina replied finally, falling onto a stool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei snapped the clasps. The lid raised gently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside lay neat bundles of U.S. dollars. On top\u2014a letter marked To Galya and Son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With trembling fingers Galina unfolded the paper. The handwriting was painfully familiar\u2014angular, forceful, as if written by someone used to sparing words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My dearest,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are reading this, I am gone. Forgive me, Galya, for not returning that day. I witnessed a crime in town. They forced me to work for them under threat to you. I tried to break free, but I was in too deep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I watched you from afar. I came several times, saw the house, saw Sergei. Once I watched you, Son, chopping wood in the yard. How you\u2019ve grown\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These savings are yours. Use them for Sergei\u2019s education, buy a house in the city, live with dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina, forgive everything. I loved you every moment of these cursed years. You were my beacon in the blackness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei, I\u2019m proud of you. Protect your mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forever yours,
Viktor<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina clasped the letter to her heart, and tears flowed down her face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei clutched the table\u2019s edge. Inside, something shattered and reformed: the father he had imagined did not vanish; he became real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That evening, they sat on the porch. The air smelled of lilac and freshly cut grass, and somewhere in the town, an accordion played\u2014the last-bell celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow will we use the money?\u201d Sergei inquired, gazing at the starry sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina adjusted the shawl on her shoulders.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll go to university,\u201d she answered calmly. \u201cMoscow or St. Petersburg\u2014you choose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll wait till you finish. Then we\u2019ll decide.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei nodded, silent for a while. Then he said quietly, \u201cHe loved you. And me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Galina replied simply. \u201cI always knew.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A shooting star passed overhead. Sergei closed his eyes and wished, not for himself, but for his mother: that she would stop waiting and begin actually living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galina noticed her son\u2019s features\u2014the same eyes, the same obstinate chin\u2014as well as her own perseverance, fortitude, and limitless capacity to love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHappy birthday, my boy,\u201d she said softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. \u201cYour father would be proud of you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergei smiled and held her more tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd he would be proud of you, too, Mama\u2014very proud.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cThe baby is almost here,\u201d the midwife said, wiping the sweat from Galina\u2019s cheeks. Galina clinched her teeth and grabbed her mother\u2019s hand. A terrible agony surged… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58135"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=58135"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58135\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":58142,"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58135\/revisions\/58142"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58135"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58135"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pulsperry.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58135"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}