З життя
Перерва на чай в кабінеті УЗД: коли пацієнтів мало.
Лідія сиділа в кабінеті УЗД. Пацієнтів сьогодні було мало, видався вільний час для чаю. Жінка помішувала цукор, ложка дзвеніла, вдаряючись об склянку. Лідія була сердита, адже день зранку не задався. Вона посварилася з чоловіком через дрібницю. Запізнилася на роботу, за що отримала догану. Настрій був жахливий. Вона розгорнула фольгу та дістала шматочок шоколаду. Немає нічого кращого від стресу, ніж солодке. Шоколад був дуже смачним, чай ароматним, але не встигла допити, як постукали у двері і на порозі з’явилася молода жінка з радісним обличчям. Лідія її впізнала. Минулого разу вона приходила з чоловіком, привабливим чоловіком.
— Мене знову направили до вас, — жінка посміхнулася.
— Ну, якщо направили, — Лідія неохоче взяла карту.
— Віра Силіна, п’ять тижнів.
Жінка лежала на жорсткій кушетці, а по її округлому животу ковзав датчик. Серце солодко завмирало. Вона чекала на цю дитину сім років. За цей час вони з чоловіком обійшли багато лікарів, але все було безрезультатно. Віра вже боялася, що вона безплідна. Але все позаду, зараз вона була щаслива. Лідія не розділяла її радості. Власних дітей у неї не було, а чужого брати чоловік не хотів. У душі жінка заздрила тим, хто міг відчути щастя материнства.
— Що там? — хвилювалася Віра, дивлячись на похмуре обличчя лікаря.
— У плода є патологія. У вас народиться дитина з вадами, — відповіла Лідія.
Віра застигла.
— Тут якась помилка. У мене хороші аналізи, — слабо заперечувала вона.
— Навіщо ж вам хвора дитина? На вашому місці я б подумала.
Лідія не відчувала докорів сумління і спокійно зробила запис у карті. Віра на ватяних ногах вийшла і попрямувала до лікаря. У коридорі, просоченому ліками, було холодно, як і в душі жінки.
— Віро, добре подумайте. Дитина з синдромом Дауна. Таких дітей виховувати важко. В будь-якому разі, вибір за вами. Термін невеликий. Якщо що, я випишу направлення, — слова пролунали як вирок.
Пацієнтка пробурмотіла щось невнятне і поспішила покинути кабінет. Вона не пам’ятала, як вийшла з лікарні і викликала таксі. Дома, не роздягаючись, упала на ліжко і розплакалася. За що їй таке покарання? Що в житті зробила не так? Ще недавно вона уявляла, як буде гуляти в парку і слухати приємну музику. Спілкуватися з малюком і читати вголос дитячі книжки. Усе серце встигло полюбити цю дитину. І раптом таке… Повернувшись з роботи, Борис застав дружину в сльозах.
— Віро, що сталося? — злякався він.
Домігшись від неї пояснень, Борис похмурнів і сказав, що повідомить батькам. На сімейній раді Віру переконували позбутися дитини.
— Навіщо тобі інвалід? — переконувала мати. — Будеш з ним мучитись. Що твої роки? Молода, здорова, народиш іншого. А цього скинь.
— Мамо, що ти кажеш? Слово-то яке… Він же не річ, а жива істота!
— Ось саме, істота! Народиш — будеш дивитися сама!
— Борисе, ну поясни ти впертій дружині, що хвора дитина — це хрест на все життя, — плакала свекруха.
Віра відчувала себе беззахисною голубкою серед ворон. Батьки мовчали, вважаючи, що це жіноча справа. І тільки старенький дідусь заступився за внучку:
— Ви що на неї накинулися? Нехай сама вирішує, як краще.
І Віра вирішила залишити дитину. Батьки злилися і не розуміли її. Борис замкнувся і віддалився. Рідні відвернулися, коли Вірі так потрібна була їхня підтримка. І хоч було важко, серце підказувало: вона поступила правильно.
— Може, я це заслужила? — питала Віра діда.
— Ніхто не знає, чому так сталося. Ти, головне, не нервуй, дитині шкідливо. І чоловіка прости, йому теж нелегко.
Вагітність проходила на диво легко. Лікар тільки руками розводила і просила сподіватися на краще. Віра молилася і надіялася на диво. А по ночах, лежачи в холодному ліжку, плакала в подушку. Чоловік давно перейшов спати на диван у вітальні. І коли серед ночі викликали швидку, знову молилася за дитину: “Тільки б все було добре!”
Морозного ранку на світ з’явилася дівчинка. Віра була готова побачити дитину з вадами. Але їй показали малечу, і сльози навернулися на очі. Дівчинка виглядала як ангел. Світле волосся, круглі щічки і неймовірно великі блакитні очі.
— І це чудо мене хотіли змусити вбити, — з жахом прошепотіла вона.
Вдень з’явилися родичі, вітали. Бориса впустили в палату. Він приніс великий букет квітів і просив пробачення. Віра пробачила, хоч в душі залишився осад. Вона підійшла до вікна і побачила, як за склом кружляють сніжинки, забираючи з собою горе і смуток. Згадалося кабінет УЗД і лікар, через яку ледь не зруйнувалося тендітне щастя. Борис милувався донечкою, що спала в ліжечку. Дивлячись на нього, важко було повірити, що ще недавно чоловік поводився як чужий.
— Як назвемо доньку? — запитав він.
— Надія, — відповіла Віра. — Тільки вона не дозволила мені вчинити страшну помилку.
She Was Never Truly Alone: An Ordinary London Morning with Grandma Violet, Filly the Cat, and Loyal Gav the Dog
She Was Never Alone. A Simple Story A slow winter morning dawned over London. Out in the communal courtyard, caretakers...
No One Left to Talk To: A Story “Mum, what are you saying? How can you say you’ve got no one to talk to? I call you twice a day,” her daughter asked wearily. “No, sweetheart, that’s not what I meant,” Nina Anderson sighed sadly. “I just don’t have any friends or acquaintances left who are my age. From my time.” “Mum, don’t talk nonsense. You still have your school friend Irene. And honestly, you’re so modern and you look much younger than you are. Oh, Mum, what’s wrong?” her daughter fretted. “You know Irene has asthma; when she talks on the phone she starts coughing. And she lives all the way on the other side of the city. There were three of us friends, remember I told you? But Mary’s been gone for a long time. Yesterday, Tanya from the flat next door popped in. I made her a cuppa—she’s a lovely woman, often drops by. She even brought over some buns she’d baked for her family. She told me about her children and grandchildren. She’s got grandchildren, even though she’s about fifteen years younger than me. But her childhood, her memories—they’re so different from mine. I just long for a chat with peers, people like me,” Nina Anderson explained, though she realised perfectly well that her daughter wouldn’t understand. She was still young. Her time wasn’t gone—it was just outside the window. She didn’t yet yearn for memories. Sveta was wonderful and caring; it wasn’t about her. “Mum, I got us tickets for a night of classic ballads on Tuesday. Remember you wanted to go? No more sulking—put on your burgundy dress, you look stunning in it!” “All right, darling, everything’s fine. I don’t know what came over me, good night, we’ll speak tomorrow. Go to bed early—you hardly get any sleep,” Nina changed the subject. “Yes, Mum, goodnight. Bye,” and Svetlana hung up. Nina Anderson gazed silently at the glittering evening lights outside… Year Eleven, also spring. So many plans. It seemed so recent. Her friend Irene fancied Simon Mallory from their class. But Simon liked Nina. He’d call her every evening, invite her out. But Nina thought of him as just a friend—why raise his hopes? Later Simon left for the army. He came back, married, lived in Irene’s old house. Back then everyone had a landline. The number… Nina Anderson dialled the number from memory. The tone didn’t come at once—then someone picked up, there was rustling and then a quiet man’s voice: “Hello, I’m listening.” Maybe it’s too late? Why did I call? Maybe Simon doesn’t even remember me, or maybe it’s not him at all! “Good evening,” Nina’s voice rasped a little with nerves. There was more static on the line, then suddenly she heard an astonished voice: “Nina? Is that really you? Of course it is. I’d know your voice anywhere. How did you find me? I’m only here by chance….” “Simon, you recognised me!” A wave of joyful memories swept over Nina Anderson. No one had called her by her name for ages—just “mum”, “granny”, or “Mrs Anderson”. Well, except Irene. But just “Nina” sounded so wonderful, so fresh—as if the years hadn’t passed at all. “Nina, how are you? I’m so glad to hear from you.” Those words made her ridiculously happy. She’d feared he wouldn’t recognise her, or her call would be out of place. “Do you remember Year Eleven? When Simon and Victor took you and Irene out in that rowing boat? He’d blistered his hands on the oars and tried to hide it. Then we ate ice cream on the riverside while the music played,” Simon’s voice was soft and wistful. “Of course I remember!” Nina laughed joyfully, “And that class camping trip? We couldn’t get the tins open, we were so hungry!” “Oh yes,” Simon chuckled, “Then Victor opened them and we sang songs by the campfire. Do you remember? After that, I decided to learn the guitar.” “And did you?” Nina’s voice rang with youthful delight at all these shared memories. It was like Simon was reviving their happy past, recalling detail after detail. “So, how are things now?” Simon asked, but immediately answered himself, “Actually, I can tell from your voice you’re happy. Children, grandchildren? You still writing poems? I remember: ‘To dissolve into the night and be reborn by morning!’ So full of hope! You always were like sunshine, Nina! You bring warmth to everyone, no one could be cold around you. Your family’s so lucky—to have a mum and granny like you is pure gold.” “Oh, come off it, Simon, I’m long past that. My time’s over, I—” He interrupted. “Come on, you give out so much energy I think my phone’s about to melt! Just kidding. I don’t believe you’ve lost your zest for life—not a bit. That means your time isn’t over yet, Nina. So live—and be happy. The sun shines for you. And the breeze chases clouds across the sky for you. And the birds sing for you!” “Simon, you’re still such a romantic. What about you? I’m going on and on about myself…” But suddenly there was a crackle and the call cut out. Nina sat there, phone in hand. She wanted to ring back, but it was late—better not. Another time. What a wonderful chat they’d had—so many memories! The sudden ringtone made Nina jump. Her granddaughter. “Yes, Daisy, hello, I’m still up. What did Mum say? No, my mood’s fine. I’m going to a concert with Mum. Are you coming over tomorrow? Wonderful, see you then. Bye.” In an unexpectedly good mood, Nina Anderson went to bed, head full of plans. As she drifted off, she found herself composing lines for a new poem… In the morning, Nina decided to visit Irene. Just a few stops on the tram—she wasn’t a creaky old nag yet. Irene was delighted: “At last! You’ve been promising for ages. Ooh, is that an apricot tart? My favourite! Well, spill, what’s brought this on?” Irene coughed, pressing her hand to her chest, then waved Nina’s concern away. “It’s all right, new inhaler—I’m better. Come on, let’s have tea. Nina, you look younger somehow—come on, tell me!” “I don’t know—my fifth youth!” Nina laughed as she sliced the tart. “Yesterday I rang Simon Mallory by accident… remember your crush in Year Eleven? We got to reminiscing—I’d forgotten half of it. What’s up, Irene? Not another asthma attack?” Irene sat pale and silent, then whispered: “Nina, you didn’t know? Simon passed away a year ago. He lived in another part of town—he moved from that old place ages ago.” “You must be joking! How? Who was I talking to? He remembered everything about our school days. My mood was terrible before talking to him. But after we spoke, I felt life was carrying on—that I still had strength, and joy for living… How could it be?” Nina couldn’t believe Simon was gone. “But I heard his voice. He said such beautiful things: ‘The sun shines for you. And the breeze chases clouds across the sky for you. And the birds sing for you!’” Irene shook her head, sceptical of her friend’s story. Then she surprised Nina by saying: “Nina, I don’t know how, but it really does sound like it was him. His words, his style. Simon loved you. I think he wanted to support you… from the other side. And it looks like he did. I haven’t seen you so happy and full of energy for ages. One day, someone will piece your tattered heart back together. And you’ll finally remember—what it feels like to be… simply happy.”
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A Grandson’s Request: An Uplifting Story “Gran, I need to ask you something—it’s really important. I need a lot of money.” He arrived in the evening—nervous, restless. Normally, Daniel popped round to see Lilian twice a week, happy to fetch her groceries or pop out the bins. Once, he even fixed her old sofa. Always calm, always confident—never like this. Lilian always worried—it was a strange world out there. “Daniel, love, can I ask—why do you need the money? And how much is ‘a lot’?” Her voice was steady, but her heart thumped. Daniel was her eldest grandson—a good lad, kind at heart. He’d finished school a year ago, working part-time while studying. His parents hadn’t voiced any concerns, but why would he need so much cash? “I can’t say yet, Gran, but I promise I’ll pay you back—just not all at once…” “You know I’m only on my pension,” said Lilian, torn, “How much exactly?” “One thousand pounds.” “Why not ask your parents?” Lilian asked absently, already guessing his answer. Daniel’s dad—her son-in-law—was strict, expected children to solve their own problems and not stick their noses where they didn’t belong. “They wouldn’t help,” Daniel replied, confirming her thoughts with a sigh. Had he got mixed up in something serious? Would giving him the money only make it worse? But what if not giving it made things even harder? She studied him with concern. “Gran, it’s nothing bad, I swear. I’ll pay you back in three months—promise! Don’t you trust me?” She probably should lend it, even if he never returned it. There ought to be someone in his life who has his back; someone he can trust—so he never loses faith in people. She did have that money set aside for emergencies. Perhaps this was the one. After all, Daniel had come to her. Funerals could wait—life was for the living. It’s family—family you must trust. They say if you lend money, be prepared to lose it. The young can be unpredictable… but Daniel had never let her down. “All right, I’ll lend you the money for three months, as you said. But wouldn’t it be better for your parents to know?” “Gran, you know I love you, and I always keep my promises. If you can’t help I’ll try to get a loan—after all, I do work.” The next day, Lilian went to the bank, withdrew the money and handed it to Daniel. He beamed, gave her a grateful hug, and dashed off: “Thank you, Gran, you’re the best. I’ll pay you back—I promise!” Lilian returned home, brewed herself a cup of tea, and pondered. So many times in her life she’d desperately needed help. Every time, someone came through. But now, these days, everyone looked out for themselves. Times were tough. A week later, Daniel popped in again, cheerful. “Gran, here’s the first bit back—I got an advance at work. Oh, and can I bring a friend round tomorrow?” “Of course, love. I’ll bake your favourite—poppyseed cake.” She smiled, relieved—whatever it was, she’d soon know. Daniel came that evening. Not alone. A slender young woman stood by his side. “Gran, this is Lisa. Lisa, meet my lovely Gran, Lilian.” Lisa blushed, “Hello, thank you so much, Mrs Taylor!” “Come in, both of you,” Lilian relaxed—they seemed good together. They sat and chatted over tea and cake. “Gran, I couldn’t tell you before. Lisa’s mum became suddenly very ill; there was no one else to help and Lisa was so worried—she made me promise not to explain why I needed the money. But it’s over now—her mum’s had the operation. The doctors say she’ll recover.” Daniel looked at Lisa, squeezing her hand. “Thank you—you’re so kind. I can’t thank you enough,” Lisa said, turning away to hide her tears. “I told you, everything’s all right, don’t cry,” Daniel smiled, “Come on, Gran, we’d better be off—getting late.” “Take care, dears, goodnight—may everything work out for you.” As they left, Lilian crossed herself (old habits die hard). Her grandson had grown up—a solid young man. She was glad she trusted him. It wasn’t really about the money; it brought them closer. Two months on, Daniel repaid her in full. “Just think, Gran. The doctor said if we hadn’t acted so quickly, it could have ended much worse. I didn’t know how I could help Lisa. I realise now—there’s always someone willing to step up when things are hard. And I’ll always look after you, Gran—you’re the best in the world!” Lilian ruffled his hair, as she had when he was little. “All right, off you go—and bring Lisa round soon!” “Of course,” Daniel grinned, hugging her. As she closed the door, Lilian remembered what her own gran used to say: “You must always look after your own. It’s the English way—never turn your back on family. Remember that!”
Gran, Ive got a favour to ask you. I really need some money. A lot. James turned up at Sarah...