Panicking, Dima recognized her instantly. She was the girl his brother had spoken about so often. Without hesitation, he carried her to his car and called home.

“Mom, I found Andrey’s girlfriend at his grave.”

“Take her to the clinic,” Nina instructed. “I’ll come.”

Nina had been devastated by Andrey’s death, but with Dima’s help running the business, she had managed to carry on.

At the clinic, Nina and Dima entered Olesya’s room. Olesya shrank back.

“I’m Andrey’s mother,” Nina said gently.

“You look like him,” Olesya said. “I didn’t come here for help. I just wanted to say goodbye.”

Nina sat down. “Tell me about you and my son.”

When Olesya finished, Nina asked, “Why didn’t you go with him?”

“I was scared,” Olesya admitted. “I grew up in an orphanage. People judge us. I didn’t know how your family would react.”

Nina frowned. “That’s nonsense. I don’t hold such views. You just met the wrong people. Now get some rest. I’ll visit tomorrow.”

“No need—I have a bag in storage. I only lost my phone.”

Later, they collected her things. Among them were photos—pictures of her and Andrey, full of love and laughter. Nina’s eyes welled with tears.

“He really loved her,” she whispered to Dima. “We have to make sure she has everything she needs to raise my grandchild.”

Dima nodded. “We will.”

Two years later…

“Karinochka! Come to Grandma!”

Nina crouched, arms open for her granddaughter. Olesya stood nearby, smiling.

She now lived in the city center, had a nanny, and was studying law.

“Olesya, I need to talk to you,” Nina said.

Olesya tensed. Nina had never been unkind, but she couldn’t help feeling nervous.

“You’re not a child, and neither am I,” Nina said. “Let’s be honest. What’s going on? Don’t you love Dima?”

“I do.”

“And he loves you. Then what’s the problem?”

“It’s Andrey,” Olesya whispered.

Nina’s voice turned firm. “Andrey is gone. He’s not coming back. I’m grateful he had you—but the living belong with the living. Think about what I said.”

Nina left. Olesya stared at her phone for a long time.

Then, slowly, she opened Dima’s contact and typed:

“I’m ready.”