A Winter’s Turning Point
Snow fell silently outside the window as Marina returned home from work. Darkness had already begun to settle over the village, and only a single streetlamp dimly lit the area near the shop. The lighting was poor, so as soon as she stepped off the main road, she switched on her phone’s flashlight to guide her path.
Marina worked in a small local store. She had just finished school, but attending university in the city was never a realistic option—there simply weren’t the means. As the youngest in the family, she couldn’t imagine leaving her parents behind. Her father had recently retired, while her mother still labored on the farm. Money was always tight, but Marina didn’t let that discourage her. With her job, she contributed to the household finances—just enough to get by.
Once she stepped into the yard, Marina brushed the snow off her boots with the broom before going inside. In the living room, her mother was knitting socks in front of the television, while her father dozed on the couch.
“Marina, you’re home already? I’ll go heat up your dinner!” her mother said, setting aside her knitting.
“Mama, I can do it myself. No need to rush.”
“But you must be tired after a full day.”
“Actually, I feel fine.”
“Don’t say that—you were rushing around the store all day.”
“It’s nothing, really…”
Her mother quickly laid the table, and Marina ate gratefully. After dinner, she thanked her and retreated to her room to reflect.
From the time she was in school, Marina had dreamed of leaving the village to go to university. But her dreams never came true. Her sense of duty kept her rooted, knowing her parents would struggle without her.
Her love life was virtually non-existent. There were few boys in the village—most had long since moved to the city, and the ones who remained were already taken. The odds of finding a partner were almost zero.
“I remember a boy from school who once showed interest in me. But right after graduation, he left without a word, and I never heard from him again.”
Back then, Marina believed he was the love of her life. He seemed kind-hearted, and she fell hard for him. But it was brief—he left without even saying goodbye. Later, she realized she had just been a passing interest to him.
The village gossip faded over time.
At work, Marina helped her aunt Vala. Their shifts rotated: two days on, two off. The next day was her day off, and that thought comforted her as she drifted off to sleep.
A Quiet Morning and Village Talk
Marina always woke early, even on her days off—an old habit from childhood. On rest days, she tended the chickens and made breakfast, a routine she found comforting.
Her mother soon joined her but wasn’t surprised to see her already up.
“Why are you awake so early on your day off? You could sleep more.”
“I’ve rested enough, Mama. Hey, do you know who bought the house near Grandma Njura’s?”
“I haven’t seen. Who’d want it anyway? It’s an old place.”
“I’m not sure. I saw a man there yesterday, maybe someone around your age or a little younger. I also saw your friend Masha nearby.”
“Which Masha?”
“That one you know. Maybe she wants to get married—that’s why she’s hanging around the new place. Walking back and forth, trying to catch his attention. She probably hopes to land a city man.”
“You girls—I don’t understand your obsession with city men. Why not look here?”
“There’s no one to look at! You know well enough, the boys who are left here are either taken or… frightening.”
“You don’t need to consider all of them. Take Mishka, for example. He’s good, always helping his father, works hard in the garden. He’s liked you since you were little.”
“No, Mama. Mishka isn’t for me. I’d rather stay single.”
“Then you’ll stay single! If you’re dreaming of a city man, how do you expect to find one here?”
“I don’t plan to stay here forever. One day I’ll go to the city.”
“And what about us?”
“I’m not leaving now, just saying I think about it.”
They drank tea together afterward. Her father was out doing errands—he still worked even in retirement, helping on the farm or clearing snow with his tractor.
As Marina sipped her tea, a troubling thought returned: What if I’m staying not because I want to, but because my mother makes me feel guilty? What if they’d be fine without me? Lately, this thought had become more persistent.
A Cold Meeting and a New Friendship
After breakfast, Marina went to meet her friend Masha at the swings. She waited patiently, though Masha showed up nearly an hour late. The cold still lingered, despite spring’s approach.
“Masha, really? We were supposed to meet at six. It’s almost evening.”
“Wait until you hear this—it’ll blow your mind!” Masha said excitedly.
“Alright, shock me. I hope it’s worth it,” Marina laughed.
“Guess who bought the house near Grandma Njura?”
“My mom mentioned it but doesn’t know much.”
“Well, it’s a guy. A gorgeous guy! When you see him, you’ll be stunned!”
Marina stayed silent. She already knew from her mother, but let Masha enjoy her reveal.
“He’s 28, bought it as a countryside retreat, and is fixing it up now. Totally different from village boys. So polite, such a gentleman!”
“Congrats then.”
“It’s not serious yet—we just met.”
“Sure, sure. I’m sure you’re already planning the wedding,” Marina teased.
“Oh, stop! You’re always so skeptical…”
They chatted a while longer, then went home—chores were waiting and the cold was setting in.
Marina spent her weekends quickly. Her favorite hobby was sewing. For her birthday, she’d received a sewing machine she’d long wanted. She made clothes for herself, friends, and occasionally for locals—earning a little extra money. It was more than a hobby; it was passion.
Back to Work and an Unexpected Encounter
After the weekend, Marina returned to the store. She sighed—the merchandise was still unorganized, boxes left open, goods scattered everywhere. She and Aunt Vala often clashed over this. Vala, elderly and weary, left much of it to Marina.
With a small eye-roll, Marina began tidying the shelves.
Some regulars dropped by for bread or sugar. Marina didn’t particularly love the job, but there weren’t other options in the village.
Then a young man entered. Marina recognized him instantly—it was the same man Masha had spoken of.
“Good morning. I’d like a loaf of bread, some tea, and maybe a sandwich,” he said thoughtfully.
“Of course. Take your time,” Marina smiled.
He looked just as Masha had described: striking blue eyes, light hair, tall and athletic. She couldn’t help but glance at him while working.
“Can I pay with a card?”
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a terminal yet. No cash either?”
“Well… maybe I can send you the money online? My salary goes to my card.”
“That works. Here’s my number.”
He pulled out an expensive phone, and Marina gave him her details. Soon, the money arrived.
“Thanks—you really saved me. I’d have gone hungry. I’m Maksim.”
“I’m Marina,” she replied with a smile.
“What time do you finish?”
“Six o’clock.”
“Then maybe I’ll walk you home.”
“There’s no danger here, even if it gets dark,” she laughed.
“See you later, then.”
As she stood behind the counter, a small smile crossed her face. She never expected someone like Maksim to notice her. She didn’t consider herself especially beautiful, yet people often said she had a unique charm—slender, light brown hair, deep brown eyes.
She wondered nervously—what if we run into Masha on the way home? She feared losing her only real friend.
When Maksim returned that evening, their walk home was filled with light conversation and laughter. He was so different from local boys—mature, calm.
“You’re interesting,” Maksim said. “I met Masha, too, but… she’s ordinary.”
Marina was silent. She didn’t want to discuss her friend.
They agreed to meet again soon. He offered to share his favorite tea, and she accepted.
That night, she lay in bed smiling. Maybe Maksim was the one she’d been waiting for. Still, the thought of telling Masha gnawed at her.
