Ava, couldn’t get used to her new place. The former chief engineer of the plant, mother of three children, could not even assume that she would spend her old age in a nursing home.
She had once had an interesting, bustling life. Ava was torn between home and work. No one knew how she managed to run the household perfectly, raise her two daughters and son, and give her all she could in her work…
But apparently Ava had missed something in the upbringing of her children, although she had tried to instill in them since childhood love for others and kindness.
The time came when the old, helpless woman was no longer needed by her children. She had not seen her son for twenty-five years, Jacob had gone to work and remained there. Once a year she got a New Year card from him and that was it. Her daughters were here, close by, but each had her own family and worries…
The woman looked out the window and cried. Outside it was snowing quietly, and there, behind the fence, life was boiling.
The New Year was coming. People were rushing home, carrying beautiful, fluffy Christmas trees. Ava closed her eyes and smiled. She remembered how she had once looked forward to this holiday no less than her children.
After all, it was her birthday. At home, there were always a lot of guests, it was very fun and joyful. And now, she was sitting alone in that little room, even her unfortunate neighbor had gone somewhere since the morning. I guess the woman was tired of sitting with a dejected and sad Ava.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
– Come in! – shouted the woman.
Several old ladies came into the room.
– Happy Birthday! Happiness, good health! – shouted one of the cheerful old ladies, and gave the birthday girl knitted socks.
– Girls! I didn’t expect … – confused Ava. – You should have warned me!
– Well, it’s a surprise!
– Come in, take your seats, we’ll drink tea with cake! – The birthday girl bustled about the guests.
Grannies were sitting for a long time. At first they celebrated the Birthday, and then the New Year. They sang songs, recollected the past life. It is strange, but none of them, did not mention children in conversation. Perhaps it was a sore subject for all the residents of the house.
Ava perked up a little. A sparkle appeared in her eyes, before she had the look of a dog thrown out into the street by its master. It had already begun to dawn, and the guests slowly dispersed to their rooms.
Ava tossed and turned, and only fell asleep in the morning.
– Mommy! Mommy! Happy Birthday! Happy New Year! – was heard somewhere in the distance.
The woman smiled, she was dreaming of her son. He had grown up, had become a grown-up man.
– Mommy, wake up. Is she sick? Maybe she’s not well? – I asked the dutywoman.
– No. She and the girls were celebrating New Year’s Eve until late, – she answered.
Ava opened her eyes, and jumped on the bed with surprise.
– So this is not a dream? – Tears streamed down the woman’s cheeks. From the surprise, she could not even speak.
– It wasn’t a dream… Mom, I came yesterday, I wanted to surprise you… Why didn’t you tell me that they put you here? I thought you were doing well.
– I’m doing fine. Yesterday we celebrated New Year and birthday with our friends, – mother smiled sadly.
– I don’t have much time, I don’t have much time. I don’t have much time, get ready, I’ve already got the tickets. We have a train tonight.
– Where to, my son? – Ava didn’t understand.
– Home mother, we’re going home. Don’t worry, my wife is great and waiting for us. At least you’ll get to meet your grandson!
– It’s so sudden, – the woman cried.
– Come on, it’s out of the question. I won’t leave you here!
– Come on, what are you thinking? What a son you’ve brought up! Well done!
– Yes. He’s very good. Just like his father! – Ava smiled, and went to pack her things.
