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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The dinner I had been preparing all evening lay untouched, instantly losing all meaning. I slowly lifted my gaze to Andrei, who was sitting across from me at the kitchen table. Our cozy kitchen, which I had lovingly arranged over the past three years, suddenly felt like a stuffy, cramped cockroach den.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you seriously think that I will sell my apartment for you?\u201d my voice faltered, as if sand had been poured down my throat, but the words came out sharp and prickly, like thorns.<\/p>\n
Andrei rubbed his nose \u2014 a gesture that appeared during moments of intense anxiety. His broad shoulders slumped, and his gaze, usually warm and confident, now darted across the table, unable to meet mine.<\/p>\n
\u201cGalia, understand, I would never have asked you this if it weren\u2019t about Vasily,\u201d he said, looking deeply at me. \u201cMy son is in trouble. Real trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n
I pushed the plate aside, my fingers trembling slightly. Vasily, Andrei\u2019s son from his first marriage. Twenty-seven years old, ambitious, sometimes reckless. We had never been close, but I had tried to maintain a good relationship \u2014 for Andrei\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d I asked, though my inner voice already suggested that I wouldn\u2019t like the answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe took out a loan. A big one.\u201d Andrei finally raised his eyes to mine, confusion and almost desperation evident in his gaze. \u201cHe thought he could start a business, but something went wrong. Now the collectors are threatening him\u2026 And if he doesn\u2019t pay within a month, there\u2019ll be a criminal case. They might put him in jail, Galia!\u201d<\/p>\n
A heavy silence filled the kitchen, broken only by the ticking of the wall clock \u2014 old, still from my grandmother\u2019s house, which I took after my mother passed away. I watched the clock as the second hand ticked, almost hoping that if I waited long enough, this entire conversation would turn out to be a bad dream.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd\u2026 how much does he need?\u201d I finally broke the silence.<\/p>\n
Andrei named an amount that took my breath away. Such a sum could never fit into our family budget. Not in any way.<\/p>\n
\u201cVasya promises to pay it all back as soon as he gets back on his feet,\u201d Andrei hurried on. \u201cBut right now\u2026 right now, he needs help. My apartment is mortgaged, I can\u2019t sell it quickly. But yours\u2026 it\u2019s all yours. You can sell it, help Vasily, and then buy something smaller. Temporarily.\u201d<\/p>\n
The word \u201ctemporarily\u201d hung in the air like a false note. \u201cBut this is my apartment,\u201d I felt a lump form in my throat. \u201cI grew up there. Mom left it to me before she died.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand,\u201d Andrei reached across the table and placed his hand over mine. His palm was warm, familiar, but now that touch brought no usual comfort. \u201cBut this is about Vasily\u2019s freedom. About my son!\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the last phrase with emphasis, as though reminding me: \u201cYou, Galina, may have been my wife for five years, but Vasily is my blood.\u201d And I involuntarily felt like an outsider. An intruder in this family drama.<\/p>\n
\u201cI need to think,\u201d I replied, pulling my hand away.<\/p>\n
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For illustrative purpose only
\n\u201cOf course,\u201d Andrei nodded, but a shadow of disappointment passed over his face. As if he had expected me to agree immediately. \u201cBut\u2026 there\u2019s little time. Very little.\u201d
\nOutside, rain started to fall. The drops tapped against the eaves, creating a disturbing, irregular sound. I wrapped my arms around my shoulders, suddenly feeling cold.<\/p>\n
For Andrei, this was a question of saving his son, of family and duty. For me \u2014 it was a question of betrayal. Betrayal of my mother\u2019s memory, betrayal of myself. And I didn\u2019t know what was worse \u2014 denying the man I loved help, or losing the only reliable refuge I had.<\/p>\n
With a heavy heart, I opened the door to my apartment. The old parquet in the hallway creaked underfoot \u2014 a familiar, comforting sound. I ran my hand along the wall with the small flower-patterned wallpaper I had chosen so carefully. Every corner here held memories.<\/p>\n
This window in the living room \u2014 I changed the frame last spring, saving money on the professionals. And this chandelier with carved shades \u2014 a find at a flea market, which I spent an entire day cleaning. The shelves with books collected piece by piece, the rocking chair passed down from my grandmother\u2026<\/p>\n
All my own, familiar. And now Andrei asks me to sell it for his son?<\/p>\n
My mother\u2019s words, said shortly before she passed, echoed in my mind with piercing clarity: \u201cGalochka, remember: the apartment is your protection. Never throw it away. Men come and go, but the roof over your head should remain.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the time, I just laughed. Mom had always been a bit old-fashioned on these matters. Besides, Andrei and I had just gotten married \u2014 what doubts could there be?<\/p>\n
The phone in my pocket vibrated. Vasily\u2019s number. I answered after the third ring.<\/p>\n
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\n\u201cGalina Sergeevna, hello,\u201d his voice sounded unusually polite. \u201cDad said you\u2026 are thinking about the apartment.\u201d<\/p>\n
I closed my eyes. The pressure was starting.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Vasya. I\u2019m thinking. After all, this is a serious decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course,\u201d he agreed hastily. \u201cI just wanted to say\u2026 I will return everything. I swear to you. As soon as things get better. This is a temporary problem, but if I don\u2019t resolve it now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t finish his sentence, but the grim continuation hung in the air.
\n\u201cI understand,\u201d I replied, though inside, doubts were tightening around my chest.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd also,\u201d added Vasily after a pause, \u201cDad is really worried. You know how he feels about\u2026 well\u2026 family values.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was a low blow. \u201cFamily values\u201d in Vasily\u2019s mouth sounded like an accusation \u2014 if I didn\u2019t sell the apartment, then I didn\u2019t consider them family. It meant I didn\u2019t love Andrei truly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll think about it,\u201d I repeated and hung up the call.<\/p>\n
Sitting on the couch, I cradled my head in my hands. The wedding ring on my finger felt heavier than usual. Five years of marriage. Almost happy. And now, this test.<\/p>\n
In the evening, I called Lena, my old friend.
\n\u201cAre you out of your mind?\u201d she exclaimed after hearing me out. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare sell it!\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he says it\u2019s just temporary\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTemporary, huh!\u201d Lena scoffed. \u201cMy cousin sold her one-room apartment for her husband. He promised they\u2019d buy a new place once his business took off. Guess where she lives now? In a rented shack on the outskirts, alone with a kid. And the husband took off to Thailand with a young lover.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAndrei\u2019s not like that,\u201d I tried to argue.<\/p>\n
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\n\u201cAll men are \u2018not like that,\u2019\u201d Lena cut me off mercilessly. \u201cUntil they become \u2018like that.\u2019 Galia, if you sell the apartment now, you risk ending up with nothing. I\u2019m telling you this as a lawyer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hanging up the phone, I went to the balcony.<\/p>\n
Andrei returned late. \u201cNot sleeping?\u201d he peered into the bedroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry about today\u201d, he said, sitting beside me. \u201cI understand I put you in a difficult position.\u201d
\n\u201cHow much time do we have?\u201d I asked quietly.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo weeks. Maximum. After that, the legal problems will start.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre there no other options? Maybe borrow from friends, take out a loan?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve already considered everything,\u201d his voice sounded tired. \u201cThe amount is too large. Selling the apartment is the only way.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pulled me close. \u201cWe\u2019ll get through this, Galia. These are just temporary hardships. The important thing is that we\u2019re together.\u201d<\/p>\n
I tried to believe his words.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll think about it some more\u201d, I promised.<\/p>\n
That night, I couldn\u2019t fall asleep. I stared at the ceiling, where shadows played from the passing cars outside. And somehow, I began to understand more clearly: something was wrong. There was something off about this situation, this pressure, this rush.<\/p>\n
My mother\u2019s words rang in my ears: \u201cThe apartment is your protection. Never throw it away.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next morning, I had made up my mind.
\n\u00abI won\u2019t sell the apartment,\u00bb I blurted out in one breath, gripping the doorframe.<\/p>\n
\u00abWhat?\u00bb Andrei threw his phone on the table. \u00abGalia, we agreed on this!\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abI understand what it means to you and Vasily. But I can\u2019t. It\u2019s my apartment, my parents\u2019 memory.\u00bb<\/p>\n
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\nAndrei got angry. \u00abThe apartment is just property! But Vasily is my son. Are you really that selfish?\u00bb<\/p>\n
Five years of marriage, and he called me selfish so easily.<\/p>\n
\u00abAre you not selfish?\u00bb I asked quietly. \u00abDemanding that I lose my roof over my head for your grown son who got himself into trouble.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Andrei slammed the door and left. I was left alone<\/p>\n
When the doorbell rang, I expected to see Andrei.<\/p>\n
But it was Vasily\u2014 pale, with dark circles under his eyes.
\n\u00abI know you refused,\u00bb he said. \u00abAnd I understand.\u00bb<\/p>\n
We talked for a long time. He told me about his problems, the dubious business venture that had failed.<\/p>\n
\u00abDad always pulled me out,\u00bb Vasily confessed. \u00abMaybe it\u2019s time to grow up.\u00bb<\/p>\n
At that moment, Andrei appeared in the doorway. \u00abI\u2019ve made up my mind,\u00bb he said. \u00abGalia is right\u2014 you can\u2019t solve one problem by creating another. We\u2019ll find other ways.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Andrei\u2019s words were so unexpected that I thought I must have heard wrong.<\/p>\n
\u00abWhat did you say?\u00bb I asked.<\/p>\n
\u00abI said you\u2019re right,\u00bb Andrei came into the room and sat in a chair opposite Vasily and me. \u00abSelling your apartment is not the solution.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Vasily jumped up. \u00abDad, but how\u2026 you said there was no other way!\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abI was wrong,\u00bb Andrei rubbed his face tiredly. \u00abWhen you called me yesterday, I panicked. I was only thinking about how to get the money quickly. But today, when I left\u2026 I walked the streets for a long time, trying to calm down. And I realized I can\u2019t do this to Galia. I have no right to ask her for such a sacrifice.\u00bb<\/p>\n
I remained silent, afraid to believe the sincerity of his words. Was this a trick? Was this an attempt to lull my guard down so he could return to this conversation later?<\/p>\n
\u00abAnd what now?\u00bb I asked cautiously.<\/p>\n
\u00abWe\u2019ll have to look for other options,\u00bb Andrei looked at his son. \u00abI talked to my boss. He\u2019s willing to give me an interest-free loan against my car. It\u2019ll cover part of the debt. The rest\u2026 we\u2019ll have to borrow from friends, relatives. Maybe the bank will give us a loan.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abBut that\u2019s\u2026 a whole pile of debt,\u00bb Vasily looked confused.<\/p>\n
\u00abYes. And you will help pay it back,\u00bb Andrei said firmly. \u00abYou\u2019ll find a decent job. No more shady schemes or quick money.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abBut\u2026\u00bb Vasily began.<\/p>\n
\u00abNo more \u2018buts.\u2019 It\u2019s this way, or figure it out on your own,\u00bb Andrei\u2019s voice sounded unusually harsh. \u00abI\u2019ll help you one last time. But the condition is\u2014 you take responsibility for part of the payments. And no pressure on Galia. We\u2019ve been building our relationship for five years, and I won\u2019t let you destroy it.\u00bb<\/p>\n
I looked at my husband, not recognizing him.<\/p>\n
\u00abDo you really think that?\u00bb I asked when Vasily, head down, went to the kitchen to call his friends\u2014 looking for money.<\/p>\n
\u00abGalia, forgive me for everything I said today. I was beside myself with worry for Vasily. But then\u2026 then I realized that I almost lost something far more precious\u2014 you, our marriage, our trust in each other.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abDid it take you getting to the edge to realize that?\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abYes,\u00bb he didn\u2019t deny it. \u00abI\u2019ve been saving Vasily all my life. Always rushing to help him, no matter what risk I was taking. It\u2019s probably the fault of a divorced father\u2014 the constant feeling that you didn\u2019t give your child enough attention, love\u2026 And it became such a reflex that I never even thought about whether what I was doing was right.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abBut today,\u00bb Andrei continued, \u00abwhen I saw that I was ready to sacrifice you\u2026 I got scared. Scared of what I could become. I realized that one problem isn\u2019t worth destroying what we\u2019ve built together over all these years.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abHow do I know that a new problem won\u2019t come up tomorrow?\u00bb I asked. \u00abAnd it\u2019ll all repeat?\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abIt won\u2019t come up,\u00bb Andrei said firmly. \u00abAt least not in the same form. I talked to Vasily like a man. I explained that I won\u2019t keep helping him at this cost. That he\u2019s an adult now and needs to take responsibility for his mistakes. And, I think for the first time, he really heard me.\u00bb<\/p>\n
I said I wasn\u2019t rushing to believe promises.<\/p>\n
\u00abGalia,\u00bb Andrei pulled me close, \u00abI can\u2019t say that Vasily will stop being important to me. He\u2019s my son. But you\u2014 you\u2019re my wife. And if I have to choose between his irresponsibility and your well-being, I\u2019ll choose you. Always.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Tears stood in his eyes \u2014 I had never seen him like this.
\n\u00abGive me a chance to prove it,\u00bb he whispered.<\/p>\n
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\nI closed my eyes, trying to sort through the whirlwind of feelings. Hurt, mistrust, exhaustion\u2026 but beneath it all\u2014 love, which isn\u2019t so easily crossed out.<\/p>\n
\u00abOkay,\u00bb I nodded. \u00abBut under one condition.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abAnything.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abNo secrets. No one-sided decisions. And your son\u2026 he has to understand that I\u2019m not his enemy. But I\u2019m not an ATM.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abHe\u2019ll understand,\u00bb Andrei hugged me tighter. \u00abI\u2019ll do everything to make sure he understands.\u00bb<\/p>\n
A month later, Lena and I were sitting in a caf\u00e9. My friend looked at me with curiosity.<\/p>\n
\u00abHow are things? Did you make it through the crisis?\u00bb<\/p>\n
I smiled.<\/p>\n
\u00abYou know, strangely enough\u2014 yes. Andrei sold the car, took out a loan. Vasily got a job\u2014 not great, but at least it pays his share of the debt.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abAnd do you believe him?\u00bb Lena raised an eyebrow skeptically.<\/p>\n
\u00abAndrei? Yes,\u00bb I thought for a moment. \u00abYou know, that situation changed something in him. It\u2019s like he finally grew up. He stopped being just a father, and remembered he was also a husband.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Lena shook her head.<\/p>\n
\u00abI would still be cautious if I were you. Men\u2014 they\u2019re like that. Today one thing, tomorrow another.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abMaybe,\u00bb I took a sip of my coffee. \u00abBut I feel like I made the right choice. Not just keeping the apartment, but keeping myself. My dignity.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abAnd your relationship with Vasily? Is it better?\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abLet\u2019s say\u2014 we\u2019re moving in the right direction,\u00bb I allowed myself a slight smile. \u00abHe no longer sees me as the wicked stepmother who won\u2019t let Daddy help his beloved son. And sometimes he even asks me for advice on work-related matters.\u00bb<\/p>\n
Lena shook her head skeptically.<\/p>\n
\u00abMiracles do happen, then.\u00bb<\/p>\n
\u00abNot miracles,\u00bb I replied. \u00abSometimes you just need to reach the edge to see the truth. Andrei almost lost me\u2014 and that opened his eyes. And I\u2026 I realized that love isn\u2019t just about compromises. Sometimes it\u2019s about firmness and staying true to yourself.\u00bb<\/p>\n
I went home\u2014 to my apartment, where Andrei was waiting for me. Our relationship hadn\u2019t become what it once was\u2014 it had become something else. More mature, more honest. And who knows, maybe the storm that nearly destroyed our marriage actually strengthened its foundation.<\/p>\n
I remembered my mother\u2019s words: \u00abThe apartment is your protection.\u00bb She was right. But the protection wasn\u2019t so much the property itself, but my ability to defend my right to it, to my own space, to respect.<\/p>\n
And that was worth more than any money.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The dinner I had been preparing all evening lay untouched, instantly losing all meaning. I slowly lifted my gaze to Andrei, who was sitting across from me… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25619,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25618","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n