Sent Away: A Mother’s Strength
When Sasha grabbed his beach bag, sunglasses catching the sun, he barely glanced at Lika’s swollen belly.
“I need a break too,” he said casually.
“A break?” Lika whispered, shocked. “I’m six months pregnant… and you’re sending me to your mother’s village to dig potatoes?”
“Some fresh air will do you good. And Mom could use the help,” he replied, already heading out the door.
By the time Lika reached the countryside, her mother-in-law thrust a rusty shovel into her hands.
“Bet you wore him out. Now you’re my problem,” she sneered.
Beneath the scorching sun, Lika’s back ached and her ankles swelled, yet she dug on. At night, she overheard her mother-in-law boasting to a neighbor:
“She’s soft. Back in my day, we gave birth in the fields and went straight back to work.”
Lika stayed silent, saving her energy for her baby.
The Return
A week later, Sasha came back, tanned and carefree, tossing his suitcase on the couch.
“Lika! The water was turquoise! Next time, we’ll go together!”
She looked at him, expressionless.
“I’m leaving, Sasha.”
He laughed. “Don’t be dramatic. You won’t last a week without me.”
She smiled faintly.
“We’ll see.”
And she walked out, carrying only her purse, her pride, and the life growing inside her.
Rebuilding
Lika had no plan—only determination. When her friend Oksana heard, she opened her home without hesitation.
“You’re staying here. No arguments.”
For the first time in months, Lika slept peacefully.
Sasha called constantly, begging, waiting outside. Finally, she answered.
“Lika, I’m sorry… please, for the baby.”
She asked softly, “Do you miss me… or just the life you lost?”
Silence.
“I loved you…” he began.
“And I forgot how to love myself while I was with you,” she said, then hung up.
A New Life
Childbirth was challenging, but holding her baby boy made every sacrifice worthwhile.
She worked, leaned on friends, and slowly rebuilt her life.
Sasha appeared one last time with gifts and promises.
“I’ve changed,” he said.
“You can be in your son’s life,” Lika replied firmly. “But I’m not coming back.”
For the first time, he had no words. He left quietly.
Lika closed the door, her child in her arms. Ahead lay something she hadn’t felt in years—freedom
