“You will become the brightest star, the most talented of all. Your name will be on every poster,” her father whispered, stroking Sofia’s hair weakly.
Sofia buried her tear-streaked face in the blanket covering him. “Don’t cry, my girl. Fate can’t be fooled. Listen carefully,” he said with effort.
“There used to be two of us — Mikhail and me, Grigory. We were inseparable, friends by blood. Then your mother came along. We both fell for her, but she chose me. Mikhail couldn’t accept it.”
“He’s still a good man. If life gets hard, you can turn to him. He owns the ‘Breeze’ restaurant now — it might save you one day. There’s more, but if he wants, he’ll tell you himself.”
“I love you with all my heart, Sofia. I believe in you, and I know you’ll be strong.”
Sofia hugged him tightly. Suddenly, his body tensed and then went limp. “Dad! Dad!” she screamed, her voice echoing in the room.
They pulled her away as doctors rushed around, but Sofia felt distant, only one thought in her mind: “I am alone. Completely alone.”
The next day, after the wake and once the guests had left, her stepmother gave her a cold look.
“Tomorrow, find a job. I’m not feeding you.”
“But I’m still studying…”
“Studying won’t fill your stomach. Get a job or get out. Understand?”
“But this is my home!” Sofia said.
Her stepmother snapped, “Your home? No. This is my home. I’m your father’s wife. So shut up. I’m being kind now, but I can be worse.”
Sofia ran out, crying all night with her father’s photo. By morning, she decided to finish school with the money he left and chase his dream. Her father wanted her to sing. Since childhood, she won contests. Teachers said it’s tough, but her voice would always support her.
“People will never forget your name—Sofia Grigoryeva.”
She smiled, proud to carry her father’s name. That morning, she left quietly for class. Afterward, her stepmother waited on the porch.
“Did you find a job?”
“I was at school.”
Sofia tried to pass, but her stepmother blocked her.
“School, huh? You want to be a singer?” Her stepmother scoffed, hands on hips. “Your voice sounds like rusty hinges. You’re not smart or pretty enough. You’ll be washing floors, not singing on stage. I warned you.”
She pulled out a suitcase and bag. “Take your things and get out. Go sing in the subway—maybe someone’ll give you a coin.”
Sofia grabbed her things and ran. Dragging her suitcase down the street, Sofia felt numb. No tears, no thoughts. She had no family. Both her parents were orphans. She didn’t know what to do next.
It was getting dark as Sofia stood outside the “Breeze” restaurant — the place her father had mentioned. With no other choice, she went inside. A young man greeted her, then soon a tall man in his mid-forties appeared.
“Can I help you?” he asked.
Sofia took a deep breath. “I’m the daughter of Elena and Grigory Grigoryev. My father said I could come to you if I ever needed help.”
He looked surprised. “Grigory’s daughter… I didn’t know.”
Tears came as she told him her father had just passed away. The man gently said, “I’m sorry for your loss.”
He comforted her and took her to his office. Once calm, Sofia shared her story.
“My father was sick for a long time, especially after my mother died. A woman named Zhanna came into our lives but didn’t really care for him. She moved in, and his health got worse. They married while he was still ill.”
The man nodded. “That must have been hard.”
“Dad worked hard, always saying I’d be a star someday,” Sofia said softly. “Before he died, he told me about your friendship and said I could turn to you.”
Sophia looked up and said, “He said you were like brothers, but then Mom came.” Mikhail smiled sadly and replied, “Your mom didn’t want to ruin our friendship. She even tried to leave, but it was too late.” He assured her, “You can count on me like a father.”
Sophia hesitated but finally said, “Can I stay with you? I don’t want to be alone.” Mikhail smiled and joked, “Of course. I live alone, except for my lazy cat who ignores me.”
A few days later, Mikhail invited her out, saying, “Let’s talk and figure out what’s next.” Sophia asked, “Could we go to your restaurant? I’ve never been.”
Mikhail urged Sophia to continue her studies, but she worried about living expenses and wanted to find a job. Before he could reply, a young man rushed in with news of an emergency—a live performance was required at the restaurant in half an hour, but the singer Artem had no-showed again.
Mikhail panicked and started calling past performers, but all had been contacted. Sophia gently touched his hand and said, “Uncle Mikhail, I can sing.” Surprised, he hesitated, warning her that the restaurant was noisy and different from what she was used to. She promised she would manage.
When Sophia began singing, the room fell silent. Mikhail sat quietly, and after her last song whispered, “Elena… I promise, our daughter will become a star.”
Meanwhile, Zhanna and her husband arrived at the restaurant to impress friends. When she heard Sophia was performing, she feigned ignorance but was clearly unsettled by the mention of Grigory Grigoryev’s name. Her husband teased her about her complaints over the curtains, but she angrily dismissed him, complaining about ruining the evening.
As Sophia’s sad song filled the room, Zhanna threw a napkin in frustration and muttered, “Are we really going to listen to this all night?” Her husband sighed and left to give her a break. Zhanna sat stiffly, resigned to endure the night without dancing or turning away from the stage.