Nina Thompson remembers the day she had to decide the fate of another womans child like it was yesterday. It was a Wednesday, and her husband, Victor, came home from work earlier than usual, his face as dark as a storm cloud. Without a word, he handed her an envelope…
«Whats happened?» she asked.
«Veras gone. Without my consent, they cant send Dima to an orphanage.»
Nina had known about Victors son long before they married. A cliché, really. Victor had fallen for a girl during his army days. After his service, he brought her back, rented a little flat, but she packed her bags soon after and went back home. Then came the telegram: *Congratulations, youve got a son.* Whatever went wrong between them, Victor never said, and Nina never pried. No point dredging up the past.
When Nina was four months pregnant, the ex turned up out of the blue with one-year-old Dima. Made a scene, wanted him back. Victor sent her away and stayed with his wife. Nina never held it against himhow could she blame him for what happened before theyd even met? Vera filed for child support, and Victor paid it faithfully. She never wrote or called again. Years later, they heard shed married twice, and after the second divorce, she couldnt take ittook her own life.
By then, Nina and Victor had two kids of their own: son Billy, just a bit younger than Dima, and little Evie, whod only just turned one. Theyd decided to have a second child after buying their own placea modest house, four rooms, no luxuries, but with a garden, a shed, and space to breathe. After years in a tiny rented flat, it felt like heaven. Billy had spent the first week running wild through the rooms, over the moon.
…Raising another womans child? Nina had never seen *that* coming. Shed last seen the boy seven years ago and knew nothing about him. What was he like? What had he been through? It scared her. Billy was already a handfulnow thered be two boys, nearly the same age. Would they get along? Victor worked long hoursthe kids were her responsibility. All this flashed through her mind in seconds. Victor sat silent in the hallway, his face ashen.
Her heart achedsuddenly, she pictured herself in his shoes. What if it were Billy facing a life in care? God forbid. Just like that, everything fell into place.
«Victor, of course well take him. Hes your sonour kids brother. How could we live with ourselves if we didnt? Well manage. Where theres room for two, theres room for three.»
A month later, Dima arrived. Quiet, shy, nothing like bold, cheeky Billy. Maybe that difference saved themthe sudden older brother didnt try to take charge, happy to follow Billys lead. And little Evie, sweet and funny, melted every tension. She loved everyone without a second thought.
That autumn, Dima started primary school. Did wellhis mum mustve prepared him. Money was tight, but Victor worked extra shifts, and later, Nina found part-time work. The kids grew up, pitched in with chores. They never treated Dima as anything but family.
When Dima got into university, Nina fell seriously ill. Long hospital stays, surgery. Terrifying, but she refused to despairshe had kids still finding their feet. She *had* to get better. She wanted to see them grown, happy, to hold her grandchildren one day. Victor, though, crumbled. Started drinking heavily.
At eighteen, Dima became the familys rock. Switched to part-time studies, got a job. He visited Nina nearly every dayread to her, asked how to cook Billy and Evies favourite meals, brought her samples. He hid the worst from her: Billy had fallen in with a bad crowd, was facing charges. Thankfully, he got off with probation.
Nina recovered. Her marriage didnt. She couldnt forgive Victor for abandoning her when she needed him most. The house was big enoughthey lived like strangers under one roof. He tried quitting the drink, but the binges still happened.
Last year, Dima brought home his fiancéea girl hed loved since nursery. Training to be a psychologist, she took on Victors drinking like a project. Life moved on. Soon, the house would echo with grandchildrens laughterthe newlyweds were expecting twins.
…Every day, Nina thanks God for her eldest son. Shes sure shes only alive because she once made room in her heart for a strangers child.
