— Mom, are you serious? I’ve already sent out the invitations! The restaurant is waiting for payment! My wedding is in two weeks! You can’t let me down! — Kira couldn’t believe that her mother’s words were not a nightmare or a prank.
— Darling, I understand…
— No, you don’t understand! — Kira shouted, bursting out of the hospital room as if deeply hurt.
Svetlana Sergeevna closed her eyes. Right now her heart ached not because of the recent heart attack, but for a completely different reason. And the pain caused by her own daughter was much stronger.
— Do you have other relatives? — the doctor asked.
— Yes… an older daughter. But she lives in another city. I’m not sure she’ll come… Kirочка and I are very close, you see? And Dasha… she has always been independent. I think she will help Kirочка with the wedding. Yes, doctor… you’re right. I should call her.
— Svetlana Sergeevna, — the doctor looked at the woman like a small child. — Of course, you need to call your daughter. But not so she can help your youngest with the wedding. You yourself will need help in the coming months. Stent placement is not like routine dental hygiene. There are certain risks and rehabilitation is necessary. Do you understand?
— I understand, — Svetlana Sergeevna looked away. She did understand. Of course, she understood everything.
— Hello, sis? Hi! — Meanwhile, Kira got into a taxi and dialed Dasha’s number. Usually, she called her sister mostly to complain or ask for money.
Kira was seven years younger than Dasha. Since childhood, she had been used to being “the little daughter,” “the sunshine,” “the special girl.” And Dasha was just the older daughter: “already grown up. You can handle it yourself.”
That’s how life went on. Until Dasha really grew up, entered college, and left their mother and the younger sunshine behind.
— Hello!
— Yeah, hi… — Dasha was busy with a report. She didn’t have time to talk to Kira.
— I have a wedding. You know… I need money for the dress, shoes, etc. When can you send it?
— Did I promise?
There was a pause on the other end.
— Well… I thought that was a given. You’re my sister. If not you, then who?
— I planned to give a gift. I have no money; I invested it all in the mortgage.
— Yeah, I’ve heard that! — Kira shouted. — Will you be bragging about this for the rest of your life? You can have many apartments! But the wedding happens only once! Besides, it’s not my problem where you find the money. You’re the older one, so help out!
— Kir… I think you’re too young to get married. You still haven’t grown up if you think everyone owes you something.
— I don’t want to be an old maid like you!
— Fine. Then let your fiancé pay for the wedding. — Dasha was about to hang up, but Kira burst out:
— You and mom have no shame! All you do is ruin my life! One with her envy, the other with her illnesses!
— What happened to mom? — Dasha tensed.
— If you’re so curious, call her yourself! — Kira hissed and hung up.
Dasha immediately called her mother. Although they were not close, Dasha loved her mother, and the news about her illness worried her.
Svetlana Sergeevna answered right away.
She didn’t waste time with stories, just told it as it was.
— They’re putting in stents on Monday. I had a heart attack; I suffered through it on my feet…
Dasha swallowed. She found no words. Her hands trembled, and the numbers in her report merged into one continuous stream.
— Mom, how could this happen?!
— That’s how it happened… — whispered Svetlana Sergeevna.
The operation went well. Dasha prayed when the doctor came out. He explained: the stents were placed, but the patient needed rest, care, attention from loved ones, a strict diet, and staff supervision.
— No physical exertion, alcohol, or stress. Your mom will still be able to celebrate the wedding, but not anytime soon, — the doctor reassured.
— I hope my sister will manage the wedding, — said Dasha. She put aside all her affairs and came to her mother. But Kira didn’t even call to find out how the operation went.
The doctor spoke for a long time. Dasha listened attentively, taking notes. Then she sat on the corridor couch and called her sister. She didn’t wait for her to feel guilty.
— Kira, mom had surgery. They put in three stents. I came, but I can’t manage alone. And besides, she probably wants support from you too. We both will be needed in the coming month.
— Wait! Stop babbling! — Kira replied irritably. — Do you want me to cancel the wedding?!
— No need to cancel. Just talk to your fiancé about postponing the date, — Dasha couldn’t take it anymore.
— Dash… my celebration is in two weeks. Makeup rehearsals, calling guests, dress fittings — I’m swamped. Besides, I have to find money somewhere! You didn’t give me a single penny! And mom won’t give money either; she hates free healthcare, wants paid care — that’s more important than her daughter’s wedding!
— And what’s more important to you? Glitter? Or Mom’s life?!
— And mine? — suddenly flared Kira. — My life and happiness don’t matter?! I won’t cancel the wedding. And I won’t let anyone ruin it! Even if you don’t give me money, I will find it!
— Aren’t you ashamed?
— You’re just jealous that mom always loved me more. And now my personal life is going better. That’s it, don’t call me anymore. I don’t have a sister. She died with the hope of support for the wedding.
Dasha looked out the hospital corridor window. Memories of different life situations floated by. Both good and bad. The younger sister had always been spoiled and selfish. But Dasha couldn’t imagine such indifference from Kira.
Meanwhile, Kira was crying from frustration. She didn’t feel sorry for her mother. She didn’t grasp the gravity of the situation. She felt sorry for herself. Abandoned, insulted, and alone. Then she decided to take a desperate step. To ask for help where it would definitely not be refused.
Kira went to the parents of her fiancé, Pasha. They welcomed her warmly. The fiancé, bride, and future in-laws sat at the large table to discuss the final details.
— Kira, we reviewed the budget and guest list. You’ll have 30 guests from your side. That’s fewer than ours, but… Initially, it was assumed the bride’s family would also contribute financially, — said the fiancé’s mother. — We’re paying for the banquet, decor, host… But the dress and the look are the bride’s responsibility. Especially if the budget doubled.
Kira looked away:
— Yes, I chose a different dress. A more expensive one, because my friend was wearing the first. She said I was copying her. I had to find another style. It turned out more expensive. And the hairstyle has to be more complex, simple curls won’t do.
— I don’t mind. But are you going to contribute anything yourself? Or are we the only ones paying? — the fiancé’s father asked, joking but seriously.
— I asked close relatives for help, but it didn’t work out. You know, I was always the youngest, unloved in the family… Mom promised money but changed her mind. She got involved in some procedures… I don’t understand it. But I think it’s just an excuse not to give money. I turned to Dasha. But my sister said the wedding is a waste of money. They don’t even want to come to the wedding. It’s so bitter to know I’m an outcast in my own family… — Kira fought back tears, and the fiancé tried to comfort her. He was young, still a student. If only he could pay for the wedding himself… But such weddings are usually paid for by parents.
— Hmm… strange, — mumbled Pasha’s father. — The family seems normal. But at a time like this…
— I’m not complaining. No. The main thing is that Pasha and I are together! If I have to, I’ll get married in this dress! — Kira looked at her fiancé with adoration.
— No, the bride should be in white, — said the future mother-in-law immediately. — Well, we’ll think about what to do. There’s little time left.
Kira smiled and went home. The house was empty. But soon Kira wouldn’t have to live there. She would marry and move closer to the city center. Her parents gave Pasha an apartment, and Kira would be the mistress there! And she wouldn’t have to think that mom’s two-room apartment belonged not only to her but also to Dasha. Why should Dasha be an heir? She invested money in her mortgage! Instead of helping Kira in such an important moment!
Meanwhile, Dasha sat next to her mother. Svetlana Sergeevna was moved to a room, and everything was relatively fine. Except for one thing…
— Has Kira called? — asked Svetlana Sergeevna, barely regaining consciousness.
— No. She’s too upset with us, — shrugged Dasha.
— Maybe things will get better later?
— Maybe. After all, she needs somewhere to live, and if the wedding didn’t happen, she can’t live with her fiancé.
— I’ll split the apartment into two… Let her live on her own, — the mother said quietly. — And you…
— I’ll manage myself. I’m grown up. — Dasha answered. She had a mortgage, cared for her mother, and a rough understanding of her future. Probably better than living in fantasies and at someone else’s expense. Who knows…
