Realizing she had become a burden to them, she asked to be taken to a retirement home.
Three years ago, her house was burned down. Luckily, she was at work when it happened.
She cried for a long time because she was born and raised there, raised her child there, and her grandchildren used to visit regularly. But now, in its place, there was nothing but ashes and black smoke.
Her son and daughter-in-law decided to take her in. She realized her daughter-in-law’s life was becoming complicated. Working and managing the house was a real challenge. She felt incapable of doing anything. For two years, she stayed with them.
After the fire, her hands started trembling. “My boy, I understand how difficult it is for you and your wife. Please send me to a retirement home. There’s an announcement for a nice place nearby. They will take care of me, and I won’t be a burden to you.”
“Alright, but let’s wait until May. The weather will be better, and we’ll have time to gather all the necessary documents, okay?” her son suggested.
She nodded in agreement. Spring arrived, the weather softened, and she reminded her son of their agreement.
“Alright, mother, we’ll take you tomorrow to the retirement home.”
That evening, the old lady, with trembling hands, packed all her belongings: a nightgown, a robe, and her slippers. She kissed her grandchildren goodbye and crossed herself before leaving the apartment.
Her son drove the old car, and they left together.
“Artem, why aren’t we going to the retirement home? We missed the turn to the retirement home!” she exclaimed.
“No, mom, they are renovating it; we have to take a detour,” her son quickly replied, while his wife smirked.
The journey took about twenty minutes. Familiar landscapes began to emerge: the river, the forest, the houses. At first, she didn’t believe it. It was as if they had returned to her village.
Her son opened the gate, and she didn’t recognize her own courtyard. Her legs almost gave way when she got out of the car.
Before her stood a new house. There were some construction materials here and there, and workers were busy. But there was no trace of the fire – there was a new house, a greenhouse, and even a new chicken coop.
“My son, am I dreaming? What happened?” she asked incredulously.
“Mom, we never wanted to put you in a retirement home. So, we chose to rebuild your house. We did it to make you happy. Inside, there are bathrooms, cable TV, and even underfloor heating. We deliberately waited until spring to finish the renovation.”
She burst into tears and hugged her son tightly. She couldn’t believe her luck. For a long time, she couldn’t believe such happiness. And now, her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren visit her every Saturday.
