Chapter 19
Nadiya
“I’m so scared, Nadiya Muratovna. What if something happens to the baby?”
Elena had already had three miscarriages: at ten, fifteen, and twenty weeks.
She’s now in her twenty-fourth year, and I know she’ll be worried until the very end. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do my job.
“Elena, all your indicators are normal. The most important thing for you is to eat right and lead an active lifestyle.”
“I’m afraid to even walk,” her voice is cherished. “If I miscarry again, I won’t survive.”
“You need to try not to think about the negative. And as for activity, you definitely need to move. Gentle walking, yoga, swimming—all of this is allowed and will be beneficial. The main thing is not to overdo it. For example, you definitely shouldn’t lift weights,” I laugh softly, and Elena relaxes.
— I’d like my husband to come with me to the screening. Is that possible?
– Certainly.
But her husband won’t come.
I was the one who managed all three pregnancies, but I never saw Elena’s husband.
We say goodbye to the patient, and I go change clothes to get out of here as quickly as possible, because Misha’s shift is about to start, and I don’t want to cross paths with him.
I run away from the clinic. But it’s all in vain.
Because Misha is standing next to my car.
– Hello.
– Hello, Mish.
I demonstratively raise my hand and look at my watch.
– Sorry, I have to go.
I go around him and open the driver’s door.
“He didn’t even buy you a decent car,” he says, smiling and taking a drag on his cigarette.
– Did you give me a lot of gifts?
I want to stand up for Idar. We have an arranged marriage; he’s not obligated to buy me a car. I need other help from him.
– You’ve never been mercantile, Nadya.
“Well, it wasn’t me who started the conversation about expensive gifts,” I shake my head, looking at Misha with disappointment. “And if you’d given me something, I would have accepted it. But all you’ve ever given me is some high-quality, signature bullshit.”
Misha’s jaw muscles tense, and I leave without any obstacles – he has nothing to say, we both know I’m right.
I’m going straight to Nazar, who should have already started packing.
On the way, Idar calls me.
– Nadya.
I grip the steering wheel tighter. His voice is too… just right. I can’t describe it any other way.
— I won’t be able to come to help you move.
“I didn’t even think you were planning on helping us,” I’m at a loss for words.
— I wanted to help, but I had a force majeure.
– It’s okay, everything’s fine. We can handle it ourselves.
— A Gazelle van will arrive in half an hour, and movers will help you with your things.
— What? Why? We ourselves…
– That’s it, Nadiya, I have to go.
It disconnects, and I look at the receiver, not believing my ears.
I’m not used to help. But this is it. Real help and a solution to one of my problems.
At home, Nazarka is already waiting for me. He’s packed some of his things. I gather mine, carry them to the door, and at the appointed time, they come to pick up our bags.
The men take a couple of trips to transfer our belongings to the Gazelle, and Nazar and I go in my car.
My brother asks me about how everything is arranged in the house.
He doesn’t want to go to strangers. And I’m running out of arguments to persuade him and explain that there’s nothing shameful about someone being in a wheelchair.
At home, the movers bring the things into the house just as quickly, and I go to pay them.
— How much do I owe you?
— We’ve already been paid. All the best.
I return and walk towards the house. Nazar’s stroller is standing at the threshold.
— Is this a normal ramp? Can you climb it?
“I can.” He nods towards the garden: “It’s beautiful here.”
“It’s beautiful,” I agree, “but I haven’t had time to explore the area yet.”
– You’ve been here for almost two weeks.
I shrug.
“I never have enough time, Nazarka. Come on, I’ll show you your room?”
We enter the house, Nazar follows me.
His room is ordinary. A bed, a wardrobe, a table, a chair.
We should get rid of him quietly, while Nazar isn’t looking.
“Here… it seems pretty good,” my brother turns the stroller so he can look me in the eyes.
— They should have brought Leila home from school soon. She’s Idar’s niece.
– Then I’ll stay here for now.
— The bathroom is in the hallway. Everything is ready there too.
– Thank you. I’ll unpack my things.
I leave my brother alone, he needs to get used to the new place. I decide to do the cooking myself. I should at least thank Idar with a tasty dinner.
When the front door slams, I put down the shovel. Leila flies into the kitchen and throws her briefcase on the floor.
“He’s arrived?” Her eyes glow with anticipation.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you,” I smile at the girl.
Nazar is sorting out his clothes when we come to see him.
“Are you Nazar?” Leila starts chattering excitedly. “And I’m Leila.”
She comes up to him and extends her hand.
“Hello, Leila,” Nazar smiles at her and shakes her hand.
“Will you take me for a ride in the stroller?” Leila asks conspiratorially.
Nazar glances at me sideways, and then suddenly starts laughing. A pure, sincere, long-forgotten laugh.
– Of course, I’ll give you a ride. No problem.
I return to the kitchen and put the meat in the oven. Leila chats with Nazar, and I decide to get out of the house now that I have some free time.
I walk around the area without entering the dog’s territory.
It’s beautiful and peaceful here.
I walk back, but just a few meters from home, I freeze. A chill runs down my spine, my hair stands on end.
The dog, terrifying as the devil’s minion, stands five steps away from me. Saliva flows from its mouth, and it falls on its front paws.
I mentally say goodbye to life, because it seems that Idar’s order not to go behind the house has a special meaning and this dog is clearly determined to have a bite of me.
“Nadya, your timer went off!” Leila runs out of the house and rushes towards me.
The dog takes off and flies after the girl.
In a moment, I grab Leila and cover her with myself.
