As it occurred, soon after college, I was offered a job in Europe. Naturally, I went for it, and my mum agreed with me. We were all living together at the time – me, my mother, and my younger brother. My younger brother was still in school at the time. Our father had died while I was just starting college, but he had always wished for us to succeed in life, so I was determined to achieve his wish.

My mother chose not to pursue her own personal life, instead devoting herself to my brother and myself. Although we wouldn’t have cared if mom found happiness for herself, she was too attached to our father to consider it. So I traveled abroad. Because we didn’t have a computer at the time, and phone calls were pricey, staying in touch with my family was difficult. I deduced from my mother’s statements that everything was fine at home.

My brother Andriy grew up and moved into our flat with a girl. Maria was expecting a child, and my mother stated that they were planned to marry soon. I was both happy and concerned because my brother had not completed his education. I had been away from home for eight years – eight long and difficult years. In exchange, I received priceless life experience.I eventually recognized that I couldn’t go on like this.

I wished to return home and see my family. My nephew had already begun school, and I had yet to meet him. In addition, my mother felt lonely. I unexpectedly arrived carrying gifts. The door was answered by an unknown person. “Welcome! “You must be Maria?” she enquired. “Yes, and who exactly are you?” I responded. She welcomed me into the house and summoned my brother. We exchanged hugs, and I got to know his wife.

“Where’s mom?” I inquired. My brother lowered his gaze to the floor, and his wife Maria replied, “Mom doesn’t live here anymore.” I could see there was something wrong right away. “Where does she live now?” I asked. “Well, she’s been living in a dormitory,” Maria explained. “What?!” When I looked at my brother, he remained mute, avoiding eye contact. “Andriy, explain to me what’s going on?” I inquired. “We didn’t expect you, sweetheart. You’ve arrived, demanding explanations. “Ask your mother,” Maria responded angrily.

I assured them I’d return later and went to see my mother. She’d lost weight and was almost speechless when she saw me. There were so many tears and so much emotion. Oh, my beloved mum. She told me that when Andriy brought Maria to the flat, Maria took command right away. She carried the infant while Andriy worked and my mother took care of everything around the house. My mother didn’t say anything at the time, and they all lived together, but it was evident that Maria was a strong lady even back then.

My mother had to stop her job after Maria gave birth to care for the granddaughter. Maria reasoned that it was better not to squander her youth on childcare. My mum adored her grandchild and couldn’t say no. When the youngster reached the age of five, Maria decided that they required a larger space and an extra room for the child. “I’ve discovered a fantastic dorm for you. “Your peers live there, and believe me, you will not be bored,” she promised.

My mother, bless her heart, moved out of her own apartment and into a rented room in a dorm. Maria’s bravado astounded me, as did my brother’s apathy. My mother revealed that they still brought the grandchild to her on occasion; he rarely slept the night at home. “Young people need their own space,” they’d say. It was correct. Vanya would frequently come to my mother’s house after school instead of returning home. He was a nice youngster who had evidently been well raised by his grandmother.

I made the decision to sell my half of the flat, let them live there, and begin a new chapter in my life. And if my brother wanted, he might accompany them. “I’m selling my stake; will you buy it back?” I inquired. “What? You’ve been gone for so long, and now you’re asking for money from us? My brother’s wife answered, “We have a child.” “I’ll repeat myself. Will you buy out my stake, or should I sell?” My brother and Maria arrived at my mother’s dorm later that day.

I was present with her. “So, since you’re requesting money from us, you should know that we don’t want it.” “We’re pleased with our child,” Maria stated. “All right, then we’ve agreed. “I’ll keep my share, and you sign a statement relinquishing your rights to our son,” I said. They enthusiastically agreed. My brother called three years later. He stated that Maria had left him for someone else and that he was now alone. He pleaded for pardon. He eventually sold the flat and came to us. I couldn’t stop him from seeing Vanya – he was his father, after all.