In the orphanage, there was a special atmosphere. All the residents, as if by magic, had stuck to the windows, watching Lena being seen off as she left hand in hand with her new parents. Their eyes revealed a curious mix of joy for their friend and deep sadness. Every farewell to a child here turned into a significant event that united the entire staff—from the junior caregivers to the institution’s management. Emotions overwhelmed every little one, yet everyone understood the importance of the moment. As Lena stepped toward a new life, she left behind untouched pencils, scattered toys, and books forgotten on the shelves. Physically, the objects remained, but in the hearts of the people, that day had left an indelible mark.
Kira, newly hired as a caregiver, could not hide the tumultuous feelings inside. Tears welled up in her eyes despite her efforts to hold them back. Her soul rejoiced for Lena, who had found a family, but it also ached for those still waiting for their parents. Instinctively, she brought her hand to her face, trying to discreetly wipe away the treacherously welling moisture.
“Keep it together,” said the director standing nearby in a strict tone.
Quickly regaining control of her emotions, Kira resumed her duties. However, in the corridor, her attention was caught by a lonely Vasya, his head bowed. Unbounded sadness was written all over his face.
“What are you doing here?” Kira asked gently as she approached him.
“Lena was taken away,” the boy murmured barely audibly. “Petya says that soon they’ll come for me too, and I… I’m useless to anyone.”
These words pierced Kira’s heart. The six-year-old spoke with the wisdom of an adult, and every word resonated with pain.
“Don’t be upset, Vasya,” she tried to soothe him, fighting back her own tears. “They’ll come for you too. You just have to wait a little.”
“How will they come? Why would I be taken by someone? I’m red-haired, my ears stick out. And even in my sleep…” the boy’s voice trembled.
Every word he spoke held a grain of truth. But behind these outward peculiarities, Kira saw a completely different Vasya—a kind, responsive, and smart child with a big heart. His life had begun in the harsh conditions of a dysfunctional family, where he faced violence and humiliation. Now, having arrived at the orphanage, even though he was in a safe environment, he still remained invisible to the world around him.
“I’d rather stay here with you,” Vasya whispered, not lifting his eyes.
Watching the departing figure of the boy, Kira realized that the only way to help him was to give him a real family. Gathering all her resolve, she headed for the director.
“Valeria Dmitrievna, may I have a word?” she asked, overcoming her inner turmoil.
“Of course, Kira. What’s the matter?” the director replied.
“I want to adopt Vasya,” Kira stated clearly.
The director frowned, clearly doubting the sincerity of the young woman’s intentions. “Do you understand the magnitude of responsibility? This is not a temporary solution but a lifelong commitment. And what if you can’t handle it? Consider his background—a dysfunctional family, and his physical traits…”
“But other people take in children and manage perfectly,” Kira declared with unwavering confidence. “I can handle it too. I’m sure everything will turn out wonderfully. And about his red hair—it’s not a flaw but a true blessing! Redheads are the most beautiful!”
The director listened silently to every word. Inspired by the pause, Kira continued:
“Valeria Dmitrievna, I am ready to do anything for this little one. He has already taken residence in my heart, become a part of it.”
The director shook her head, but a special gleam appeared in her eyes that made Kira’s heart beat faster.
“I understand your feelings,” she said. “But you know we only place children with complete families. And you’re not married yet.”
“Then I’ll get married and definitely take Vasya in,” Kira retorted without a moment’s hesitation.
The director maintained her serious expression, remaining silent.
Leaving the office, Kira noticed a slight smile on Valeria Dmitrievna’s face. Over the years, the director had seen many enthusiasts confident in their ability to change the world. Yet in this case, she felt something different. Her heart suggested that Kira was truly ready to fight for her happiness and for Vasya’s future.
The journey home turned into a real labyrinth of thoughts for Kira. Her mind flitted like lost birds, unable to find a point of stability. She understood that the first important step had been taken, but the road ahead remained shrouded in the fog of uncertainty. The dream of becoming a mother to Vasya seemed so simple and natural, yet reality, as always, gradually revealed its complexities. Adoption required not only creating a family but also providing the child with a stable future—was she ready for that?
“Where am I going to find a husband?” Kira pondered, watching the buses zoom past on the street outside. Her personal life had never been easy: not a beauty, she preferred a quiet life, shunned noisy parties and casual flings. There had been attempts to build relationships, but they quickly fizzled out. Sometimes she imagined her prince, but fate invariably left her alone.
Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a man at the bus stop—in a white shirt, with an impassive expression. Kira turned away, yet the thought of simply approaching him and asking him to be her husband wouldn’t leave her. “I’m completely crazy!” she thought as the bus pulled away. “I need to think about Vasya, not men!”
However, at home, inspiration struck her: there was a lonely neighbor in her building. Rumors had it that he was single. Without wasting any time, Kira headed toward him.
Climbing to the second floor, she knocked firmly on his door. The door opened, revealing a surprised man standing on the threshold.
“Hello,” he said. “Are you here for me?”
Kira froze, unable to utter a word.
“Have you got the wrong door?”
She shook her head.
“Then come in. Can you even talk?”
“Yes,” she exhaled, stepping over the threshold.
Once inside, Kira felt her last reserves of strength leave her. Fearing she might lose consciousness, she blurted out in one breath:
“Marry me, please! I need to adopt Vasya from the orphanage, and they only give children to married couples.”
The man paused, trying to comprehend what he had heard.
“And why did you decide that I’m not married and am ready to start a family?”
“Neighbors say you’re a most eligible bachelor,” Kira blurted out before she could think twice.
He laughed.
“So, what? Do you need a particularly eligible bachelor or will anyone do?”
“Not funny at all!” Kira retorted, hurt. “You don’t understand. Vasya is a special boy. And you’re laughing!”
“Forgive me,” he said, holding back a smile. “It’s just not every day that I get such proposals. I was a bit taken aback.”
“I’m not looking for compliments. I just want to help Vasya. He’s red-haired, a bit awkward, often bullied, but I will love him. I already do. If you don’t want to help, at least don’t laugh.”
She abruptly turned to leave, but the man stopped her.
“Wait,” he said gently. “Let’s talk. I really did not expect such a proposal, but let’s figure it out. Why did you choose me for this role?”
Kira took a deep breath, trying to control her excitement. The situation seemed utterly incredible, yet her resolve remained unshaken. The desire to bring happiness to Vasya eclipsed all her fears and doubts.
“You see, it’s important to me that Vasya has a real future. I dream of becoming his mother and am willing to do anything for his happiness,” she declared, straightening her shoulders. “Yes, it sounds crazy, but I need your help.”
The man introduced himself as Vadim and invited her to sit in the kitchen. While pouring tea into cups, he asked:
“Tell me more. By the way, I still don’t know your name.”
“Kira.”
“Beautiful name. Just like you.”
“Let’s skip the compliments,” she waved him off.
“Alright, I’m listening.”
Kira explained her plan: marriage, adoption, divorce. She saw it as the only way to secure happiness for Vasya.
“I agree,” Vadim unexpectedly answered.
“Really?” Kira froze, hardly believing her ears.
“Your determination is impressive. And I, too, believe that every child deserves happiness. I’m ready to help you, but let’s not rush things. We need to discuss everything calmly.”
Kira began to detail her ideas again, but Vadim interrupted her:
“Wait. You’re talking so fast that I can barely keep up. And it seems that only you will be happy? What about me?” he joked.
He gently covered her hand with his, and Kira gradually began to calm down. She explained in detail about Vasya and her conversation with the director.
“Alright, I’ll marry you. Nothing interesting has happened in my life for a long time. Let’s see where this story takes us,” Vadim decided.
“Where will it take us?”
“We’ll see. Now, let me see you off to the door.”
“No need, I live in the same building, on the sixth floor,” Kira smiled.
“Oh really? So you’ve had your eye on me for your plans?” Vadim laughed.
But Kira only smiled back.
“No, I just remembered you when I was coming home after meeting the director.”
“Alright, since we share a common goal, let’s not sweat the small stuff.”
“Us?” Kira asked in surprise.
“Of course. Now I’m your partner, almost voluntarily. So, it’s settled: tomorrow at 2:00 PM we meet at the registry office.”
The next day, Kira, sleep-deprived and anxious, approached the registry office and saw Vadim with a bouquet of flowers. Her heart raced: what if he changed his mind?
She was in for another surprise: the marriage would be concluded that very day. It turned out that Vadim used his connections to speed up the process.
The ceremony passed in a blur. Kira mechanically signed documents and even instinctively reached out to kiss the groom. It was nothing like the wedding she had imagined as a child.
“Well then, the first step is done, dear wife,” Vadim smiled, handing her the marriage certificate.
The shift to using informal “you” felt natural.
“Find out what documents are needed for the adoption,” he requested.
“Why?”
“To help. It’s a complicated process. I have a friend who recently adopted a child, and I know how difficult it is.”
Kira nodded.
“What time should I pick you up from work?”
“Tomorrow only. Today I’m on the night shift.”
“Then I’ll drive you.”
Now that Vadim was by her side, her questions and doubts troubled her less. She knew they would handle everything together.
Kira hurried to the director’s office, her heart pounding wildly. This moment could change everything.
Valeria Dmitrievna, absorbed in documents, looked up in surprise:
“How did you manage?” she asked, glancing at the marriage certificate.
“I believed you could handle it,” the director smiled. “I promise to help. But for now, say nothing to Vasya.”
Vadim became a real pillar of support for Kira. He backed her up when her strength was fading and always found the right words. Yet deep down, Kira knew that their marriage was merely a formality. Although… lately, she found herself thinking that Vadim had become more to her than just an assistant.
Today, all the paperwork was ready. Tomorrow, she would take Vasya in. Joy overwhelmed her—the long journey was nearing its end.
“We did it,” Vadim said, approaching with a warm smile. His voice was confident and a bit ceremonial.
“Yes, thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you,” Kira responded, her eyes lighting up with gratitude and joy. But soon, a slight worry crept over her.
“But that’s not all,” Vadim added, not letting her relax. His calmness contrasted with her growing anxiety.
“What do you mean? Everything is ready,” Kira asked in bewilderment, feeling confused.
Vadim looked at her with a mischievous glint, and his tone took on a playful note.
“Do you really think that a child will be comfortable in your one-room apartment when there’s a three-room one available?” his question made her pause.
Kira stared at him silently, not immediately understanding his insinuation.
“Enough hesitating,” Vadim declared firmly, as if making a final decision. “Let’s start packing your things. You’re moving in with me. Or do you want to deprive the child of a complete family?”
Kira froze. Events had unfolded so rapidly that she barely had time to process: now she wouldn’t just gain a son but a new family. She was a bit overwhelmed, but feeling his support, she realized that this step was necessary. Without waiting for an answer, Vadim embraced her and kissed her. His kiss was warm and sincere, just like his words.
Vasya couldn’t concentrate at all. He sat in his place, lost in thought. A caregiver approached him with a gentle smile:
“Vasya, get ready. Your parents are here for you.”
He looked at her with distrust. Although he knew there were no other children named Vasya in the room, it was still hard for him to believe.
“Mine?,” he asked hesitantly.
“Of course, they are here for you,” the caregiver confirmed softly. Her tone conveyed the significance of the moment, and Vasya felt that something important was about to happen.
Bowing his head, he remained seated. A strong doubt took root in his heart: what if this was a mistake? He didn’t want to leave the orphanage. It felt as though he hadn’t yet said goodbye to everything he was used to.
“I’m useless. I’m red-haired, with ears sticking out,” Vasya whispered, looking at the floor. His words carried the pain accumulated over the years. Other children teased him for his appearance and sometimes for his vulnerabilities. He felt like an outsider among the others and didn’t believe that anyone could ever want him.
The caregiver, unwilling to argue, softly repeated:
“Come on, Vasya.”
But he stood as if glued to the spot. He couldn’t force himself to take a step forward.
“Alright, you win. Kira is waiting for you,” she said, her voice tinged with fatigue and hope.
As soon as Vasya heard Kira’s name, he dashed into the corridor, forgetting everything else. At the end of the hall, he saw Kira and the man he had seen with her earlier.
Unable to hold back his emotions, he ran toward her and hugged her tightly.
“Is it true? You’re taking me with you?” he asked, looking into her eyes with unmistakable wonder.
“It’s true. Now you’re my son,” Kira replied, embracing him. Her voice trembled with happiness and excitement.
“And mine,” added Vadim with a smile as he approached them. “My name is Vadim. And I’m very glad that you’re my son. Also… we forgot to buy you a bed. Will you help choose and assemble one?”
Vasya’s heart leapt with joy, and he answered enthusiastically:
“Of course, I will!”
Those words marked the beginning of something new for him. For the first time, he felt that he had a home and people who loved him. It didn’t matter who these people were. The main thing was—they were his.
At that moment, Vasya realized that even when hope seems nearly lost, life can bring an amazing gift.
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