Will you take me back to the orphanage?
Will you take me back to the orphanage? Auntie said you rushed things, grabbed me before you knew a child was on the way. Im not yours
Marina stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. Her husband would be home from work soon, and the whole family would sit down to dinner.
It was odd that Slavko was unusually quiet in his room today. Normally, when Marina prepared his favorite pancakes, the little boy would spin nearby, stare into her eyes, and plead:
Mom, can I have another pancake?
She would hand him one, and although Slavko seemed satisfied, he would soon return, stretching every syllable with delight and ask again:
Maama, another one, please?
Marina understood that he was already full; he simply loved to hear the warm, precious word mommy over and over. Earlier she would set the ladle aside, pick up her fiveyearold son, and say, Ready, son? Shall we greet dad when he gets home? Slavko would chirp happily:
Yes, Mom, lets meet dad! His eyes would shine with excitementthese beautiful words were new to him, having never known parents before.
Now Slavko had his own room, his own bed, and even a small sports wall with swingsa gift from his father. He also owned toy cars, a robot, a construction set, and many other toys, all his alone. In the evenings, his mother read to him, stroked his head, and whispered love. Slavko soaked up that affection and almost forgot how things were before.
Marina tried to call her son, but the baby suddenly nudged her stomach.
She placed a hand on the child, and the girl nudged again.
Lord, Marina prays every day for this unexpected gift, hoping everything will be fine for them, she thought. They already chose a nameMykola suggested Katruśa, after his mother Kateryna.
People had told Marina she couldnt have her own children, that she and Mykola had taken Slavko from the orphanage, and that a year later a daughter would finally arrive.
Lost in thought, Marina almost forgot to flip a pancake. She called out:
Slavko, my boy, why are you so quiet today?
Silence answered her. Had he not heard?
She turned off the stove and walked to the nursery.
Even the lights were offwhere could Slavko be?
A noise came from his room. Marina switched the light on and saw Slavko sitting on the couch in a jacket and a cap, a backpack in his hands brimming with his favorite toy cars.
What are you doing in the dark? she laughed. Come on, get up and get dressed. Planning a trip? Lets eat your beloved pancakes with sour cream and condensed milk. Come on, Slavko, why so serious?
But Slavko didnt smile; he stared ahead with adultlike eyes, then asked abruptly:
Can I take these toys with me? I dont need the cars, do I?
What are you saying, Slavko? Whats wrong, my son? Where are you going? Marinas hands fell limp. Was she a bad mother? Did he not feel her love? Perhaps he was jealous of the sister on the way? Odd, because just yesterday he had been thrilled.
Will you return me to the orphanage? Auntie said you rushed, took me before you knew a child would be born. Im not yours
Slavkos eyes were wet; he barely held himself together, looking aside.
Slavko, what are you talking about? Which aunt? Marina suddenly recalled a neighbor shed met recently. She began to speak about how, thank God, the baby would arrive soon, then hesitated, glancing at Slavko. You both hurried, little Marina, you hurried!
She believed Slavko still didnt understand. She hurried away from the untactful neighbor, avoiding any argument with her son. Yet Slavko, it turned out, grasped everything.
He thought he was a stranger, alone.
Marina pulled the boy into an embrace; at first he pushed her away, then collapsed and began to sob.
My dear, youre wrongyour aunt knows nothing. Your father and I love you dearly; well never give you away.
She removed his cap and jacket, and they sat together, silent, on the couch, holding each other.
When Katruśa was born, Slavko and his dad stayed home alone for a while, then they went to be with their mother and new sister.
Slavko worried that his sister might not like him.
But seeing her tiny size, he smiled gently. Mom, how can she be so small without an older brother? Ill teach her to play with the cars; well have fun together!
Now Slavko never leaves his sisters side, waiting for her to grow, and the parents will move Katruśa into his room.
For now, he is Moms little assistant.
That evening Mom called him: Slavko, Ive gathered Katruśa, lets hurry to meet dad after work.
Already dressed, Slavko stood in the hallway ready: Mom, Ill hold the door, bring her out of the cradle!
They rode the elevator down, stepped out, and the same woman entered the hallway.
Slavko squeezed Marinas hand tighter, as if gathering courage.
Son, help the lady with her heavy bags, call the elevator, she said.
Okay, Mom! Slavko proudly looked at the woman with bags, summoned the lift, and ran after his mother.
Tomorrow is a day off, and the whole family will go to the park. Its a shame Katruśa is still tiny, but shell soon grow, and theyll ride the rides together. Slavko, as the older brother, will hold her firmly if she gets scared. After all, they are brother and sister forever!
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