Mia timidly opened the gate, walked along the path to the house, and suddenly heard Barbara’s voice from the veranda. My golden granddaughter, let’s go for a walk, get some fresh air, listen to the birds singing. Barbara rolled the stroller onto the porch, and, seeing her visitor, gasped.
Mia, you’re here. Why didn’t you tell me you’d been released today? I would have ordered a cab. I didn’t want to trouble you with such trifles, Mia answered tensely.
Here I am. You won’t send me away? Never. My girl, come in, come in.
May I? Mia stepped toward the stroller. Of course, smiled Barbara. Sue, your mother has arrived.
Mia leaned over the stroller and saw her girl for the first time after their long separation. She wanted so much to take her baby in her arms, to hold her to her heart, to kiss her hard and strong, but Mia hesitantly touched the girl’s hand, and then suddenly cried. Mia, what are you doing? Barbara asked in surprise.
I’m afraid to take her. I’m stinging of the zone, dirty, and I can’t wash it off. I can’t forget it, whispered Mia.
My girl, exclaimed Barbara, wrapping Mia in her arms. You are the purest in the world. Everything will be forgotten.
Believe me. The main thing is that you are together now. They stood, embraced.
Mia cried and thanked Barbara for her help, for the lawyer, for everything. The woman only held her tighter. The little girl watched them seriously from the stroller.
Finally, coming to their senses, they went into the house. There was no time for walks now. After a shower, Mia held her baby close.
Sue, as if sensing her mother, smiled and hummed. Barbara watched them both adoringly. Mother and daughter together.
This was happiness. Yet the most serious conversation still lay ahead. Mia hesitated for a long time before finally asking, when Barbara could give her Sue.
I’ll have to go to the guardianship, go to the city, solve all the issues there, she explained. I need to register at the clinic, get an allowance, settle the debts on utilities. Perhaps Sue could stay with you for a while.
Would you mind? Why do you have to go anywhere? Barbara said. Stay here. No, it’s not convenient.
I can’t take advantage of your kindness forever. I know you’re used to Sue. I even heard you call her granddaughter, but.
And she is my granddaughter. Barbara said softly. I don’t understand.
Mia, you’re my daughter. And Barbara began her story. Mia listened confused, blinking and shaking her head.
You’re my mother. But why? Why is it like this? My father said you were dead. You abandoned me, didn’t you? Mia cried out.
And you kept silent all this time. That’s why I kept silent. Because I knew this would be your first reaction, Barbara said, her voice trembling.
But I didn’t leave you. Your father deceived everyone. He separated us.
You didn’t even look for me. They told me you were abroad. I was sure you were doing well.
Then suddenly I saw you in the hospital, recognized you by your scar. Daughter, I didn’t betray you. Mia looked at Barbara with tear filled eyes, then placed Sue in the crib and threw herself into her mother’s arms.
My mommy, my dear, and I thought you would only be with me in dreams forever. Both in dreams and in reality, I will always be with you. Barbara whispered, breathing in the scent of her daughter’s hair.
With you and my granddaughter, I’m sorry you lived without me for so many years, suffered so much. We’ll fix everything. We’ll start again.
You’ll be happy for sure. We’ll be happy. Mia pulled away from her mother’s shoulder and looked into her eyes.
They both laughed through their tears and from the crib, smiling toothlessly at them, lay their happiness, a daughter and a granddaughter. Now three dear hearts would beat side by side.