Gena slowly realizes that his mother is pregnant. At first, the idea unsettles him—pregnancy at her age feels embarrassing and uncomfortable. He struggles to accept that his parents, whom he sees only as “mom and dad,” could be expecting another child. His father explains calmly that they had long dreamed of a daughter but postponed it for years due to financial hardship and bad timing.
Eventually, they learn the baby will indeed be a girl. The house fills with pink clothes and baby furniture. Gena feels indifferent, even slightly annoyed—he expects the baby will only bring noise and inconvenience. Still, when his mother gives birth prematurely, anxiety spreads through the family. After a tense night and a long school day, Gena learns that his sister has been born healthy.
Life changes quickly. The newborn, named Masha, becomes the center of attention. Gena helps around the house and slowly begins to feel proud walking her in a stroller, especially when classmates notice. Despite his initial resistance, a fragile bond starts to form.
English Refresh — Part 2
Tragedy strikes suddenly. Masha falls seriously ill, and despite doctors’ efforts, she dies. The loss devastates the family. Gena is overwhelmed with guilt and grief, watching his parents—especially his mother—fall into deep sorrow. Their home becomes silent and heavy with pain, as if joy has left forever.
While driving to the countryside to remove Masha’s belongings, Gena and his father encounter a car accident. Both parents of an infant girl have died, but the baby survives unharmed. Gena instinctively calms the crying child, feeling a powerful emotional connection. He learns her name is Vasilisa—the same name his parents once considered for Masha.
Moved by compassion and hope, Gena’s father asks whether they can take the baby in. Later, when they tell Gena’s mother about the child, something changes—grief gives way to cautious hope. The family decides to pursue adoption.
The story ends with a quiet but powerful message: while loss leaves deep scars, love and choice can restore meaning. For this family, opening their hearts again becomes a way to survive, heal, and give a child—and themselves—a future filled with hope.
