Olena didnt want to go home, didnt want to hear the words: I fell in love with someone else. How could one survive that, let alone understand it? And what about the children? They adore their father.
When Mykola switched on the lights in the apartment, he saw the building was empty. In the childrens room textbooks were scattered, clearly the boys had been doing homework not long ago and, as usual, hadnt tidied up. He sank into his favorite armchair, covered his face with his hands, unsure how to start a conversation with his wife.
Im exhausted, he muttered to himself. I hate coming back to an empty house, and he dialed one of his sons.
Volodya, where are you? Im here, but the flat is empty.
Were at grandmas with Mom. Shes a bit under the weather, well be home soon.
Mykola worried over how to begin. Vira, 25, with red hair and green eyes, could have chosen any man, yet she had taken notice of him; she was ten years younger and strikingly beautiful.
Each time it became harder for him to stay away from her, inventing ever more absurd excuses for his delays. He thought that, now retired, he could try writing novels, finding it too easy to justify himself to his wife.
Olena was intelligent, a marketing manager who loved her job and earned respect for her sharp mind, accommodating nature, and expertise. She was a beautiful woman, though not extraordinary, unlike Vira, especially when Vira wore a nice dress.
He always believed his marriage with Olena was solid, that they were good parents; Olena, despite working, always spent her free time with the children. So no one expected that one day
He was so nervous about talking to his wife that, hearing the key turn, he flinched and decided to stay silent today, promising to speak with her tomorrow. The boys rushed to their father, eager to share school news.
Mykola, will you have dinner?
No, Im tired, Olena, Im going to bed.
Olena disliked her husbands recent behavior.
At breakfast the next morning Mykola sat grim and silent.
Dad, youve stopped talking to us completely, the older son said.
Dont babble. Adults have problems they dont involve children in. If you want to come with me, hurry up, the father replied.
Olena handed each a snack and an apple. Mykolas mood still unsettled her.
Ill talk to him this evening, Olena decided, starting to get ready for work.
They dined without Mykola. He appeared close to midnight, gave no explanations, merely glanced at the kitchen, drank water, and went to bed.
After breakfast, while the children prepared for school, Olena tried again.
Can you explain whats happening?
Well talk tonight, he said tersely.
***
Nadia told me a woman has appeared in his life, Olena said after confiding everything.
What woman? Choose your words weve been married ten years.
Thats why she showed up. Hes late, distant, gives no explanations.
How do you know? Olena asked, surprised.
Ive been through it, so I understand and Im not jealous.
Olena didnt want to go home, didnt want to hear those words: I fell in love with another. Yet something had to change, so she quickened her steps.
Alone in the tiny kitchen, Olena waited for her husband. When the lock clicked, she tensed. Mykola was in a good mood and even asked when dinner would be.
The boys? he asked.
Theyre doing homework, but I can feed you without them.
He nodded, sat down, ate, and kept looking at his wifesmart, diligent, gentle. Once he adored everything about her: her hair, eyes, sensual lips, but not now.
This is tasty, Mykola complimented.
Lets talk, Olena said.
He said nothing, reached for bread, chewed, watching Olena. Finally the meal ended, silence fell. After a few minutes, Mykola finally spoke without meeting her eyes.
Olena, I fell in love with another woman and Im leaving the family. I wont abandon the boys; Ill still be with them, but we wont live together anymore.
He sighed deeply.
Youre throwing us out of your life out of selfishness. Its easier for you to abandon the children than to deny yourself anything.
Mykola had no response; Olena was right. He had fallen for Vira and couldnt resist the pleasure of being with her.
It seems I have no choice. Have you already decided, or can I still convince you? Know this, Mykola, I wont take you back.
I understand, but I wont return. Vira is pregnant, shell give birth soon; I cant leave her with a baby.
And you feel you have no responsibility for your own two children? he retorted.
Dont make a problem out of this. Thousands of families fall apart, yet children still keep good relationships with their fathers.
You say there will be a child? Shes lying to keep you from staying with us.
Dont speak about things you dont know.
Fine, Im done with both of you. How will you tell the kids youre leaving?
Whats so hard? Boys, come here, Mykola called, Ill tell you now.
The boys stood before their father: Mom, we finished our homework, were hungry.
Your dad wants to talk with you, Olena said, moving to the window.
Mykola couldnt start the conversation, he stammered.
The boys, what did you want to talk about? the older son asked after dinner.
Olena wasnt about to ease his situation. She left the window, gathered dishes, placed them in the sink.
I see Dad is completely lost. Boys, dad has another woman and wants to move in with her, Olena announced.
What about us? the boys chorused.
Youll have a new mother and live together as four. I wont interfere.
Stunned, Olena packed a bag, took documents, a few belongings, and left the apartment.
Dad, is it true well have a new mother? the boys asked.
Mykola was so stunned he could utter nothing.
Go to sleep quickly, he shouted, retreating to his room.
***
Olena spent the night at Nadias, who supported her fully.
You did the right thing, Nadia told her.
Im so worried about the boys, Olena sobbed.
Nothing will happen to the children. Even if Mykola is a jerk, he loves them.
Olena didnt close her eyes until sunrise. The first thing she did at work was pour herself a morning coffee, sit at her desk, and stare into the cup, lost in thought.
She could no longer consider a future with Mykola; she wouldnt forgive him. Now she could say clearly that her marriage had failed and his memory darkened her soul. She had married him hoping for peace and happiness after a year of courtship, but hopes and reality diverged. Though Mykola tried for years to be a good husband and father, Olena didnt see any sincerity, even Nadia claimed he was decent.
Their love had long since been buried under unforgivable mistakes.
Mykola was undoubtedly to blame for their failed marriage. All Olena wanted now was to see the children and talk to them. After her last sip of coffee, she felt more alert and ready for work, when a call rang.
When will you take the kids? Mykola began his monologue. How can you abandon themyoure their mother!
And you? When we married we both promised to care for our children. Ive fulfilled my part, what about you? Youve swapped them for what? Do you even care?
Enough, be home tonight, understand?
She hung up and resumed work, noticing she was staring at the screen without truly seeing anything.
Then Olena decided it was time to erase those memories and banish her ex-husband from her mind forever. She was certain he was now just a former husband. The decision lightened her, and she set out to reunite with the children.
Around lunch she asked for time off, drove to the school. The older boy, Volodya, had left early, saw his mother, ran to her; fifteen minutes later, Mykhailo emerged. Mom, I missed you.
I missed you too. Listen, you need to know that dad loves us and will always love us. Remember that, Olena said, taking their hands. Dad fell in love with another woman and wont live with us. He said he wouldnt leave you, so well see if hes truthful. Ill visit daily, but for now youll stay with dad and his new partner. Dont worry, Im always here and I love you.
Volodya, the eldest, understood: Okay, Mom, but you really wont leave us?
Thats not up for discussion, Olena smiled.
She drove them home, then returned to work. Seeing the children eased her. Meanwhile Vira called Mykola, complaining: You know I cant be anxious, and youve been invisible for two days. Im waiting for you today, and hung up.
At home, the children had finished lessons and were watching TV.
Wheres Mom?
We dont know, the boys answered in unison.
Did you finish homework?
Yes.
Get ready, were going to another house, Ill introduce you
To a new mom?
Yes.
And if we dont want a new mom?
Who else would ask? Your mother left you, youre not needed, Mykhailo tried to argue, but Volodya cut him off: Silence!
An hour later they rang Viras door.
Finally, she said, opening the door. Three pairs of eyes stared at her, one squintingVolodya.
Go get dressed, Mykola ordered.
She tried to close the door, but he propped his leg, entered.
Youll sleep together, then well figure something out, Mykola told the boys.
Vira looked on, eyes wide.
Did you get the address wrong?
You can stay quiet; Ill explain everything.
Fine, Ill wait for you in the bedroom.
***
The boys heard their father and new mother shouting, then silence, then Viras soft sobs. They eventually fell asleep. In the morning their father woke them, told them to wash up and have breakfast.
Vira, whats for breakfast? The fridge is empty.
Did you buy anything to fill it? When you do, then you can ask, she replied and left.
He poured tea and bread, drove them to school. After lessons, Mom returned, and they recounted how dad argued with Vira. Olena barely suppressed a smile.
Are you hungry? she asked.
Yes, the boys answered in unison.
That routine lasted a week. On Friday, dad didnt take them to Vira; they stayed home, ordered food, and had a feast. Later Mykola left briefly, returned and announced they would now live at home. The cause of his absence was once again Vira.
When he arrived in home clothes, she didnt greet him, didnt invite him in, didnt even look at him. Mykola no longer cared about formalities; he stared at her, unable to grasp how quickly love had faded.
Vira, understand, theyre my children and I cant abandon them even for you. If you had waited, Olena would have taken them back, but you want everything now.
Yes, I dont want them in my house; theyre yours, not mine.
Alright, I get it, I wont abandon my child either.
You dont get anything? Theres no child, never was one. Calm down, go to yours.
That night he couldnt sleep, realizing hed gotten what he deserved.
On Sunday morning, the apartment door opened silently; with a bag in hand, Olena entered. The children, seeing their mother in the hallway, rushed into her arms.
They hugged tightly while Mykola stood nearby, unnoticed by both Olena and the boys.
Olena ran her hands through the kids hair, feeling a pang of longing. Mykola, hidden, felt a sting, seeing how close they were, realizing he had almost lost them. He felt useless, aware he had no right to demand more.
He had once had everything, but he betrayed them.
Im glad youre back, he said sincerely.
Im not back; Im here for the kids. I rented an apartment and Im taking them.
Olena felt proud despite the weeks hardships.
Then why go? Ill leave, he began packing.
Dad, you wont come back? What about fishing, football?
He glanced at Olena, who stayed silent.
Go to your room, boys, Mom and I will talk in the kitchen.
Just dont go, please, the younger begged. Over the week the children had grown close to their father and werent ready to lose him.
Olena, if you can forgive me I promise itll never happen again. I finally see that family is everything. I dont want to lose you, please forgive me.
Olena was oddly amused that he now feared losing them, how quickly people forget their own mistakes and betrayals.
She never reconciled with the fact that Mykola left her for another woman. She had trusted and loved him, so hearing his promises now felt strange. Laughter faded.
She realized she wanted him back only to soothe her pride, but she no longer loved him. What she truly didnt want was to lie with him again. She even smiled that his attention hadnt slipped past her.
She felt no shame; he got what he deserved.
Olena sensed his wish to make peace, but she wasnt ready even for friendship. Perhaps later they could interact as civil acquaintances at childrens birthdays or New Year, but for now she simply listened, having already decided everything.
