Lika didn’t know where she was going. She had only a little money, saved back in the village. Her suitcase with baby clothes was still in their apartment, but she had no intention of going back.

Her friend Oksana, upon hearing she had left Sasha, immediately offered her a place to stay.

“Lika, don’t even think twice! I have a spare room — stay as long as you need.”

For the first time in months, Lika slept peacefully.

Sasha Loses Control

At first, Sasha didn’t believe it. He called, texted, even showed up at Oksana’s, but she wouldn’t let him in.

“She’s not your maid anymore,” Oksana said coldly.

Still, Sasha kept trying.

“Lika, I’m sorry,” he said over the phone when she finally picked up. “I was a fool. I’ll fix everything. Come back — things will be different.”

Lika stayed silent.

“I miss you… For the baby, Lika…”

She clutched the phone.

“Do you miss me… or are you just afraid of being alone?”

Silence.

“I loved you…” he muttered.

“And I loved myself less and less when I was with you,” she whispered, and hung up.

A New Life

The birth wasn’t easy. But when she held her son for the first time, she knew — everything had been worth it.

She found a job, though not right away. Oksana helped, friends supported her, and Lika slowly learned to live again.

Sasha tried to come back — with toys and promises.

“I’ve changed, Lika. Really…”

But she knew better now: people don’t change unless they want to. And he didn’t want her, he wanted his comfort back.

“You can see your son. But I am no longer yours.”

Sasha stared at her for a long time, then exhaled and left.

Lika closed the door behind him — and smiled.

Ahead of her was freedom.