In the orphanage, there was a unique atmosphere. All the children seemed to have clung to the windows as if by magic, watching Lena, who was leaving hand in hand with her new parents. In their eyes was a strange mixture of joy for their friend and deep sorrow. Every farewell to a child here turned into a significant event that united the entire staff—from the junior caregivers to the institution’s management. Emotions overwhelmed every little one, yet everyone understood the importance of the moment. As Lena set off toward her new life, she left behind untouched pencils, scattered toys, and books forgotten on the shelves. The objects remained, but in the hearts of the people, that day left its everlasting mark.
Kira, recently hired as a caregiver, could not hide the tumult of feelings inside her. Tears welled up in her eyes despite her attempts to hold them back. Her soul rejoiced for Lena, who had found a family, yet it shrank with compassion for those still waiting for their parents. Instinctively, she brought her hand to her face, trying to discreetly wipe away the betraying moisture.
“Keep it together,” said the director standing nearby in a stern tone.
Quickly regaining her composure, Kira continued with her duties. However, in the corridor, her attention was drawn to a lonely Vasya, his head bowed low. An unfathomable sadness was etched on his face.
“What are you doing here?” Kira asked gently as she approached.
“Lena was taken away,” the boy whispered barely audibly. “Petya says that soon they’ll come for me too, and I… I’m not needed by anyone.”
These words pierced Kira’s heart. The six-year-old spoke with the wisdom of an adult, and every word resonated with pain.
“Don’t be upset, Vasya,” she tried to soothe him, battling her own tears. “They will come for you too. You just need to wait a little.”
“How will they come? Why was I given up to someone? I’m red-haired, my ears stick out. And even in my sleep…” the boy’s voice trembled.
Every word he spoke was true. Yet behind these physical traits, Kira saw a completely different Vasya—a kind, caring, and smart child with a big heart. His life had begun in the harsh conditions of a troubled family, where he faced violence and humiliation. Now, even though he was in the safe environment of the orphanage, he still remained invisible to the world around him.
“I’d rather stay here, with you,” Vasya whispered, not daring to look up.
Watching the little figure of the boy retreat, Kira realized: the only way to help him was to give him a true family. Gathering all her determination, she headed to the director.
“Valeria Dmitrievna, may I have a minute?” she asked, overcoming her inner turmoil.
“Of course, Kira. What is it?” the director replied.
“I want to adopt Vasya,” Kira stated clearly.
The director frowned, clearly doubting the seriousness of the young woman’s intentions. “You do understand the magnitude of the responsibility, don’t you? This isn’t a temporary solution but a lifelong commitment. And what if you can’t handle it? Consider his background—a troubled family, and then his appearance…”
“But other people take in children and manage just fine,” Kira replied with unwavering confidence. “I’ll handle it too. I’m sure everything will work out wonderfully. And as for the red hair—it isn’t a flaw, it’s a blessing! Red hair is the most beautiful!”
The director listened silently to every word. Encouraged by the pause, Kira continued:
“Valeria Dmitrievna, I’m willing to do anything for this little one. He has already taken up a place in my heart, become a part of it.”
The director shook her head, yet a special gleam appeared in her eyes that made Kira’s heart beat faster.
“I understand your feelings,” she said. “But you must realize that we only give children to complete families. And you’re not married yet.”
“Then I’ll get married and I will definitely take Vasya,” Kira declared without a moment’s hesitation.
The director maintained her serious demeanor, remaining silent.
Leaving the office, Kira noticed a slight smile on Valeria Dmitrievna’s face. Over the years, the director had seen many enthusiastic individuals confident in their ability to change the world. But in this case, she felt something special. Her heart suggested that Kira was truly ready to fight for her happiness and for Vasya’s future.
The journey home turned into a labyrinth of thoughts for Kira. Her mind raced like lost birds unable to find rest. She understood: the first important step had been taken, but the path ahead was shrouded in the fog of uncertainty. The dream of becoming Vasya’s mother seemed so simple and natural, yet reality, as always, gradually revealed its complexities. To adopt a child, it wasn’t enough to create a family; you had to secure a stable future for the child—and was she ready for that?
“Where can I find a husband?” Kira pondered as she watched buses passing by on the street. Her personal life had never been easy: not a beauty, preferring a quiet life, avoiding noisy parties and casual flings. There had been attempts to build relationships, but they quickly fizzled out. Sometimes she imagined her prince, but fate invariably left her alone.
Suddenly, her attention was caught by a man at the bus stop—in a white shirt, with an expression of unruffled calm. Kira turned away, yet the thought of simply approaching him and asking him to become her husband lingered. “Have I completely lost my mind?” she thought as the bus started moving. “I need to think about Vasya, not about men!”
However, once home, a revelation struck her: a lonely neighbor lived in her building. Rumor had it that he was single. Not wasting any time, Kira headed to his apartment.
Climbing to the second floor, she knocked decisively. The door opened, and an astonished man appeared on the threshold.
“Hello,” he said. “Are you here for me?”
Kira froze, unable to utter a word.
“Did you get the wrong door?”
She shook her head.
“Well then, come in. Can you even speak?”
“Yes,” she exhaled, stepping over the threshold.
Once inside, Kira felt her strength fading. Fearing she might lose consciousness, she blurted out in one breath:
“Marry me, please! I need to adopt Vasya from the orphanage, and only married couples are allowed to adopt children.”
The man paused, trying to comprehend what he had heard.
“And why did you assume that I’m unmarried and ready to start a family?”
“The neighbors say that you’re an enviable bachelor,” Kira blurted out before she could stop herself.
He laughed.
“Is that so? Do you need an enviable bachelor, or will anyone do?”
“Nothing funny!” Kira retorted, hurt. “You don’t understand. Vasya is a special boy. And you’re laughing!”
“Forgive me,” he said, holding back a smile. “It’s just that not every day do I receive such proposals. I was a bit taken aback.”
“I’m not looking for compliments. I just want to help Vasya. He’s red-haired, a bit scruffy, and often bullied, but I will love him. I already do. If you’re not willing to help, at least don’t laugh.”
She abruptly turned to leave, but the man stopped her.
“Wait,” he said softly. “Let’s talk. I really didn’t expect such a proposal, but let’s figure it out. Why did you choose me for this role?”
Kira took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The situation seemed completely unbelievable, yet her determination remained unyielding. The desire to bring happiness to Vasya eclipsed all her fears and doubts.
“You see, it’s important to me that Vasya has a real future. I dream of becoming his mother, and I’m ready to do anything for his happiness,” she said, straightening her shoulders. “Yes, it sounds crazy, but I need your help.”
The man introduced himself as Vadim and invited her to sit in his kitchen. As he poured tea into cups, he asked:
“Tell me more. By the way, I never learned your name.”
“Kira.”
“What a beautiful name. Just like you.”
“Let’s skip the compliments,” she waved him off.
“Alright, I’m listening attentively.”
Kira explained her plan: marriage, adoption, divorce. She saw it as the only way to secure happiness for Vasya.
“I agree,” Vadim replied unexpectedly.
“Really?” Kira paused, hardly believing her ears.
“Your determination is impressive. And I also believe that every child deserves happiness. I’m ready to help you, but let’s not rush. We need to discuss everything calmly.”
Kira began detailing her ideas, but Vadim interrupted her:
“Wait. You speak so fast that I can barely keep up. And does that mean only you will be happy? What about me?” he joked.
He gently covered her hand with his, and Kira gradually began to calm down. She explained in detail about Vasya and her conversation with the director.
“Alright, I’ll marry you. It’s been a long time since something interesting happened in my life. Let’s see where this story takes us,” Vadim decided.
“Where will it take us?”
“We’ll see. Now, let me see you off at the door.”
“No need—I live in the same building, on the sixth floor,” Kira smiled.
“Oh, really? So you’ve been eyeing me for your plans all along?” Vadim laughed.
But Kira only smiled in response.
“No, I just remembered you on my way home after meeting with the director.”
“Alright, since we share a common goal, let’s not sweat the small stuff.”
“A common goal?” Kira asked in surprise.
“Of course. Now I’m your partner, almost voluntarily. So it’s settled: tomorrow at 2:00 PM we meet at the registry office.”
The next day, a sleep-deprived and anxious Kira approached the registry office and saw Vadim with a bouquet of flowers. Her heart raced: what if he changed his mind?
She was in for another surprise: the marriage would take place that very day. It turned out that Vadim had used his connections to speed up the process.
The ceremony passed in a daze. Kira mechanically signed the documents and even automatically reached out to kiss the groom—nothing like the wedding she had imagined in her childhood.
“Well, the first step is done, my dear wife,” Vadim smiled, handing her the marriage certificate.
Switching to first names felt natural.
“Find out which documents are needed for the adoption,” he requested.
“Why?”
“To help. It’s a complicated process. I have a friend who recently adopted a child, and I know how challenging it can be.”
Kira nodded.
“Tell me, what time should I pick you up from work?”
“Tomorrow, only. Tonight I’m on the night shift.”
“Then I’ll give you a ride.”
Now, with Vadim by her side, her doubts and questions troubled her less. She knew: they would manage together.
Kira hurried to the director’s office, her heart pounding wildly. This moment could change everything.
Valeria Dmitrievna, absorbed in documents, looked up in surprise:
“How did you manage to get here?” she asked, glancing at the marriage certificate.
“I believed you could handle it,” the director smiled. “I promise to help. But for now, say nothing to Vasya.”
Vadim became a true pillar of support for Kira. He comforted her when her strength waned and always found the right words. Yet deep down, Kira realized that their marriage was nothing more than a formality. Although… lately she caught herself thinking that Vadim had become more to her than just a helper.
Today, all the papers were ready. Tomorrow she would take Vasya home. Joy overwhelmed her—the long journey was nearing its end.
“We did it,” Vadim said, approaching with a warm smile. His voice was confident and a bit ceremonious.
“Yes, thank you. I wouldn’t have managed without you,” Kira replied, gratitude and joy lighting up her eyes. But soon a slight anxiety gripped her.
“But that’s not all,” Vadim added, not letting her relax. His calmness contrasted with her growing unease.
“What do you mean? Everything is ready,” Kira asked in astonishment, feeling bewildered.
Vadim looked at her with a hint of mischief, and a playful tone entered his voice.
“Do you really think the child will be comfortable in your one-room apartment when there’s a three-room one available?” His question made her pause and ponder.
Kira stared at him silently, not immediately understanding his implication.
“Enough thinking,” Vadim declared decisively, as if he had made the final decision. “Let’s go pack your things. You’re moving in with me. Or do you want to deprive the child of a proper family?”
Kira froze. The events were unfolding so rapidly that she could barely comprehend: now she would not only have a son, but a new family. She was a bit stunned, but feeling his support, she realized that this step was necessary. Vadim, without waiting for an answer, embraced her and kissed her. His kiss was warm and sincere, just like his words.
Vasya could hardly concentrate. He sat in his place, lost in thought. A caregiver approached him with a gentle smile:
“Vasya, get ready. Your parents have come for you.”
He looked at her in disbelief. Although he knew that there was no other Vasya in the room, it was still hard for him to believe.
“Come for me?” he asked hesitantly.
“Of course, for you,” the caregiver gently confirmed. Her tone conveyed the significance of the moment, and Vasya felt that something important was about to happen.
Lowering his head, he remained seated. In his heart grew a strong doubt: what if this was a mistake? He didn’t want to leave the orphanage. It felt as if he hadn’t yet said goodbye to everything he was used to.
“I’m not needed by anyone. I’m red-haired, with protruding ears,” Vasya whispered, looking down at the floor. His words carried the pain that had accumulated over many years. The other children teased him for his appearance and sometimes for his vulnerabilities. He felt alien among the others and couldn’t believe that anyone might ever need him.
The caregiver, not wanting to argue, gently repeated:
“Come on, Vasya.”
But he stood as if he were rooted to the spot. He couldn’t force himself to take a step forward.
“Alright, you win. Kira is waiting for you,” she said, and her voice was filled with exhaustion and hope.
As soon as Vasya heard the name “Kira,” he dashed into the corridor, forgetting everything. At the end of the hall, he saw Kira and the man he had previously seen by her side.
Unable to hold back his emotions, he ran to her and hugged her tightly.
“Is it true? Are you taking me away?” he asked, looking into her eyes with unmistakable wonder.
“It’s true. Now you’re my son,” Kira replied, embracing him. Her voice trembled with happiness and excitement.
“And mine as well,” added Vadim with a smile as he approached them. “My name is Vadim. And I’m very glad that you’re my son. Also… we forgot to buy you a bed. Will you help choose one and put it together?”
Vasya’s heart leapt with joy, and he replied enthusiastically:
“Of course, I’ll help!”
These words marked the beginning of something new for him. For the first time, he felt that he had a home and people who loved him. For him, it didn’t matter who these people were. The most important thing was—they were his.
At that moment, Vasya realized that even when hope seems nearly lost, life can still present a wonderful gift.
On the way home, Vasya noticed how the other children watched him. He felt special. Now he had a family, and he sincerely wished that every child would find their parents. Even those who had bullied him, he wished well. After all, every child deserves happiness—just as he did now.
