This sentence caused an explosion of loud laughter. Tanya squinted, wishing she could disappear into thin air just to avoid hearing the mockery and seeing the spiteful faces. She couldn’t explain that her and her mom’s budget only allowed them to eat cheap semi-finished products, and her tendency to gain weight was completely incompatible with the schedule of eating in the morning, at night, and quickly in between.
Of course, Tanya should have exercised or changed her daily routine, but she had to work to fulfill the promise she made to her father. She needed to get an education and not abandon her mother.
Studying wasn’t easy. Her mother’s meager pension, constant exams, and chronic lack of sleep from night shifts. Another person in her situation would have lost weight, but Tanya, on the contrary, had gained more.
She listened carefully. It seemed like everyone had left. She could go outside. But when she opened the door, she ran into the waiters again.
— Tanya, we were just coming to you, — they said.
Tanya tensed up. She knew nothing good would come of it.
— Why?
They exchanged glances, and Tanya realized that they were waiting for their next round of ridicule. She remembered her father’s words: “You’re the smartest, the most attractive. Even when it hurts, fight. No matter what. Smile and fight.”
— Well, ask, — Tanya said.
— Tanya, we’re having a party tomorrow after our shift. Let us close a couple of hours early. Everyone’s coming with partners. Will you come? Although… you don’t have anyone, right? Honestly, who would want to be with someone like you?
Laughter drowned everything out. The manager appeared.
— What’s this circus? The guests are falling off their chairs from your laughing! Back to the hall! Now!
The youth ran off, and Tanya rushed outside. She had a few minutes to catch her breath. She tried to calm down but suddenly burst into tears. She really didn’t have a boyfriend, and maybe they were right. She was chubby, a failure, and no one cared about her.
I need to do something, Tanya thought. Should I stop eating altogether? Or go see a doctor? But what would he suggest? A regimen, healthy eating. And where would I get the money?
— Oh, Dad, what should I do? If I don’t show up with a boyfriend tomorrow, they’ll laugh at me.
Tanya flinched. Someone coughed in the bushes. It was already getting dark, and she hadn’t expected anyone to be around the restaurant in the dusk. She stepped back and felt uneasy.
— Sorry if I scared you, — said a man in his thirties. — I didn’t mean to. I can’t stand seeing women cry. Can I help with anything?
Tanya exhaled:
— No. And what could you help with? Sorry, but you look like you need help more than I do.
The man pointed to a bench.
— May I sit?
He sat down on the bench, was silent for a moment, then turned to her and started talking.
— You know, I realized a long time ago that tears don’t solve problems, they only make life harder. A year ago, I woke up with no memory. Yes, I cried from fear. But then I understood that tears wouldn’t change anything. I lived a different life before. I probably ended up in a basement, so that’s where I belong. I wandered the streets, nearly harassed people, but no one recognized me. I concluded that I had no one. I tried to get documents, but the police were rude. I get it, no one wants to deal with a homeless person. Now, I’m nobody.
— A ghost, — Tanya said, turning to him.
— It’s strange, I remember how to talk and eat, but I don’t remember who I am.
And then an idea came to Tanya:
— What’s your name?
— Didn’t you hear me? I don’t remember. Call me whatever you want.
— You know, my name is Tanya. Maybe you can help me?
Tanya told Anton her plan. She chose this name because it was the same as her father’s.
Anton thought for a moment:
— This is an adventure. I like it… But how? I’m dressed so poorly, I belong in a trash heap, not in a restaurant.
— It doesn’t matter. Do you know what my mom is like? She’ll fix you up and dress you so well that you won’t recognize yourself. — Tanya smiled.
— You’re lucky. And your father…
— No. He’s been gone for a long time. You remind me of him. He used to say you have to fight. If you don’t want to, I’ll understand. But in your place, I would fight. I want to, and I offer you to participate.
— Will your mom accept me?
— Yes. She’s amazing. Come to us. I’ll write down the address…
— Tell me the address, I’ll remember it. I don’t know who I was, but I remember everything instantly.
Tanya returned to work. She knew she was lying, but hoped her trick wouldn’t be discovered and that they would finally leave her alone.
In the evening, when she came home, she told her mother everything. Her mom said:
— Tanya, you’re an adult. I’ll support you. I hope it works out. And… is he really not a criminal?
Tanya kissed her:
— I hope not, he seems kind and harmless. He just had bad luck. You’re the best!
— Yes… The best burden in the world.
Anton arrived on time. He hesitated for a while at the door, then took off his shoes and stood barefoot on the snow-white floor. Tanya smiled:
— It’s okay. You came! That’s the most important thing, and we’ll sort out the rest. I hope everything goes well.
— How could I let you down? I…
— Too soon for the role, — Tanya laughed. — But you’re in the right mood. We need to play this so that everyone believes we’re in a romantic relationship and in perfect harmony.
Tanya’s mom came out in a wheelchair. Anton recoiled slightly, then smiled at her. Tanya’s mother couldn’t walk. Five years ago, she injured her spine and had been unable to feel her legs since.
— Hello! Let’s get acquainted.
— I… I’m Anton, I think.
On the scheduled day, all eyes were on Tanya, but no one spoke. She knew: everyone was waiting for her to be humiliated. In the morning, Anton escorted her to the restaurant.
— I’ll come around seven.
— I’ll be waiting.
— Oh, believe me, I’ll be waiting. Tanya, you look amazing. I’m really happy we’re spending this evening together.
— Anton. I’m all alone here. Who’s “you”?
— Oh, I mean you.
She realized his words didn’t embarrass her at all. She was even flattered by his compliments.
At the event, Tanya noticed her colleagues’ stares. The restaurant owner was celebrating an anniversary and promised bonuses to all employees. Perhaps this was what kept the colleagues in a cheerful mood, and no one rushed to make biting comments towards her.
— Tanya, are you alone? — the owner asked.
— No, Anton will be here soon.
He was already waiting for her outside. She went out and didn’t immediately recognize him among the people. Tall, elegant. Tanya felt a flutter in her heart when he approached and took her hand. She no longer saw disappointment on her colleagues’ faces. With him, she didn’t feel chubby, clumsy, or anything else.
In the middle of the celebration, Nastya, the office gossip, invited Anton to dance.
— I only dance with my girlfriend, — he replied, taking Tanya’s hand.
All evening, Anton stayed by her side. Tanya noticed how the manager was watching her companion. She understood that this attention wasn’t random. It wasn’t about Tanya, the unfortunate one, having a suitor. No. The reason for such intense interest lay elsewhere.
— I feel like I’m under a magnifying glass, — Anton said. — Someone’s giving me an evil grin, and others are looking at me like I’m a ghost. One couple even jumped away from me. Hey, how about we escape?
Tanya nodded. They went to the hall, and she asked:
— Maybe we should try to get some documents for you? I can help. You can start a new life, be whoever you want.
Anton put his hands on her shoulders:
— If I get documents and find a job, will you marry me?
— Wow!
— So, it’s a “yes”?
— Yes, — Tanya answered.
He kissed her. Then they left, because all they wanted was to be alone…
They returned to the restaurant and found the manager’s guests, now quite drunk, early in the morning.
— I want to sleep, — Tanya said.
— Maybe you should ask to leave? You’re about to collapse.
— I’m fine.
Tanya glanced at the restaurant. There were many cars in the parking lot. The manager was heading to the parking lot, but not with his companion. Next to him was a gray-haired woman and a short elderly man. They both looked quite wealthy, but somewhat strange. Tanya didn’t have time to say anything before the manager came out of the restaurant, followed by a crowd. Anton tensed up. Everyone was moving toward them.
— Son, — the woman whispered.
Anton stepped forward and, with a trembling voice, said:
— Mom!
The woman began to fall, and Anton caught her. The elderly man sat down beside her. They embraced.
— No one expected this, — the manager said. — But I knew right away. He reminded me of someone. Then my partner noted that your companion looked familiar too. In short, this isn’t Anton, it’s Dmitry Stupin. He disappeared a couple of years ago. His parents are very… Very wealthy people. There was some criminal story, but this is definitely him.
Tanya realized that now she definitely didn’t belong there. Her colleagues would mock her for not recognizing the millionaire in the homeless man. And now, he probably wouldn’t remember her. Who was he, and who was she…
— Nastya, tell them I’m sick, — Tanya said and ran home.
— Maybe Anton was serious? — her mother asked.
— What difference does it make? — Tanya showed her the newspapers: “Breaking News – Missing person found after two years…”
Her mom hugged her, and Tanya fell asleep.
— Oh, my dear. Why don’t you believe in yourself?
That evening, the doorbell rang. Her mom opened it. Anton was standing on the doorstep with a bouquet, accompanied by a woman who resembled him, and behind them were men in business suits. The entire procession stood on the doorstep of their Khrushchyovka.
— Good evening. My fiancée ran away, — Anton smiled. — She promised to marry me when I had my papers. Now I have them.
Tanya heard voices and came out.
— Why did you come?
— To propose.
— Are you joking?
— No. We’re adults. I like you, and I…
— Why me?
— I’ve fallen in love.
— With me? I’m fat…
— That just means you’ll take up more space in my heart. Can I come in?
Tanya stepped back, and tears appeared in her eyes. She looked at him.
— Really? You didn’t come to mock me?
— No, Tanya. It’s all true.
She burst into tears on his shoulder, and he hugged her, gently stroking her head.
— That’s better.
They celebrated the wedding in the restaurant where Tanya used to work. Now she was studying and helping her mom after her surgery. The doctors promised that her mom would be able to walk again.
