“Mom, I have a fever. Can I stay home from school?” Her mother touched her forehead and allowed h…

Mom, I have a fever. May I today won’t go to school? Her mother touched her forehead and allowed me to stay. Daughter at lunch I heard the key turn castle Quietly peeking out of the room, she I saw my aunt come in and shove something in the pocket of my mother’s coat. Before As she left, she said on the phone: “I’m done did.
Tonight you can call police. This fool won’t understand anything.” And before we continue, write, please what country are you from and how much you are old. Happy listening. Marina I always got up before the alarm clock. Into this time the house breathed quietly, and even the clock was on the kitchen ticked softer than usual.
She I made tea and put a plate on the table oatmeal, put an apple next to it for daughters. I liked to start the day the same way: water, tea, 2 minutes of silence by the window. C This calmness lasted all week. My daughter was 10. They knew Nika at school a quiet and attentive girl with a braid and blank notebooks.
She did it willingly lessons, loved technology lessons and drawing. Marina worked as an accountant in small plumbing supply company. Papers, numbers, signatures. Lived in two-room apartment, which remained from parents. My sister lived separately the other end of town. My sister’s name was Vera. One year older Marina.
They were once friends and went together to the river, divided one into two a shawl and one cache of notes, then grew up and became different. The life of faith was always stumbling. Work changed, the money went to no one knows where. There is an urgent need all around. Help until payday. Save me please. Marina helped so many times that I stopped counting.
Not because she was rich, because counted. We are family. How could it be otherwise? B In recent months the calls have become more frequent. Vera I complained about the loan, then about the neighbors, then for temporary difficulties. One day Marina said firmly: “I won’t give you money. because I don’t love you, because further You can’t live like that.
” Vera was offended disappeared for a week. No calls or messages. That very day began as usually. Only Nika suddenly in the morning she put her hand to her forehead and said quietly: “Mom, my head is hot. Can I go today? Will I stay at home?” Marina came up and touched her forehead. Warmth there was, but no fever.
Throat is slightly red the voice is raspy. The child is tired I caught a cold. Letting you go to school is stupid. Stay, of course, lie down. Tea with honey will you? “I will,” Nika whispered and smiled. the edge of the lips. Marina made light tea, gave me a pill, settled my daughter in bed, ventilated the room.
There is a glass with water, napkins, a book about forest animals. The forehead cooled. Nika closed her eyes. I won’t be long – Marina said. For half a day. Phone number you. Pick up the phone. I’ll call you at lunch. If things get really bad, go to a neighbor, contact. He’s home. The neighbor’s name was Alexey.
Man 50 years old, former investigator. Lived on the same site, quiet, neat, with a habit say hello to everyone and fix whatcrumbled under someone’s hand. U he and Marina struck up a simple friendship neighborhood. Then he will carry the heavy box, he will make tea for her when she came back late. He knew when to stop and kept his distance.
Marina went to work and there was silence at home. Nika lay down dozed off. I dreamed about the summer shore, the smell cucumber tops and mom’s whisper in the kitchen. The sleep was smooth, until somewhere in the middle of the day the lock clicked. The sound was quiet, but distinct. Nika opened her eyes and froze. Who have you come? She didn’t get up, she listened.
B in the hallway, someone carefully took off his shoes, stepped onto the mat. The door closed without click. The rustle of a bag. Nika stood up quietly lowered her feet to the floor, looked out the crack between the door and the jamb. To the hallway Vera, my dear aunt, came in. It was on gray raincoat, bag under arm.
She looked around as if checking to see if no one. Carefully, slowly, she opened the closet where my mother’s coat hung. on I stopped for a second and took it out of my bag. a small package, tightly wound tape, and put it in my coat pocket deep, with fingers, as they hide what is not should fall.
Then she closed the closet straightened her hair, took out her phone and at the door she said quietly but clearly. I I did everything. In the evening you can come with by the police. This fool won’t understand anything. Nika felt a cold sensation inside. Words police and did everything, suddenly they formed into one direct thought.
Aunt wants to Mom was taken away. The child did not know that package, but I understood that it was something bad. I heard the key turn, the door closed, the steps died down. Nika was sitting motionless for a few seconds, then stood up, quietly slipped into the hallway, I opened the closet, pulled out my mother’s coat, fingers trembled. The package was found immediately.
heavy, unpleasant to the touch. The girl did not open it, she wrapped it around a bundle of towels, put it in a box from under winter boots, pushed the box under the bed, returned the coat to its place. My heart was pounding like a ball against a wall. minutes 10 minutes later the phone rang. Mother. Nika picked up the phone and tried to talk in a normal voice.
How are you, bunny? It’s okay, mom. My head almost doesn’t hurt. I’ll lie down some more. I’ll call again at two. If anything, immediately tell Alexey. He’s home. Lunch I prepared. Soup in the refrigerator. Fine. Nika put the phone on the nightstand and sat down. on the edge of the bed. They were spinning in my head mother’s and aunt’s words.
She was afraid tell mom on the phone: “Suddenly, aunt listens, suddenly someone is close.” I decided wait until evening. She sat some more for a minute, then quietly knocked on the neighbor’s door. Alexey opened it quickly. Nika, what happened? Uncle Lesha. The girl swallowed. I think I saw something. Aunt came and put the package.
She said that the police will come in the evening. Mom is gone. Alexey didn’t ask any unnecessary questions questions. His gaze instantly became businesslike He asked Nika to repeat everything step by step: time, words, where it lies bundle. Then he said calmly: “WeWe don’t touch anything. As they put it, so lies. Only you have already shifted it.
Before There are a few hours left in the evening. To mom We won’t talk now so that she doesn’t ran without a head. We act quietly. If they will come, you are next to me. I’ll explain that and how. Can you do it?” Yes. Well done. Nika returned home. Time dragged on slowly. She turned on a cartoon. but not I watched it. I ate soup and drank tea.
Marina called again. It’s alright mom. I’ll be there soon. In the evening, mom came and saw Nika. The girl was pale, frowned, She came up and put her hand to her forehead. You scared of something? Nika took a deep breath. Mom, don’t be scared. Okay. Today aunt came. I opened it with the key. I didn’t let on that I was home.
She put in your pocket is a package, she said phone that the police will come in the evening. I She took the package and hid it. Not opened. Marina sat down on a chair, quieter, than before I asked. Are you sure? Nika nodded. The words are stuck, but the head nodded. Marina closed her eyes and slowly exhaled.
There was a lot inside at once silence and clarity. Hysterics, no screaming, no it can’t be. Just a straight line. Act correctly. Thank you for saying that. You are very smart. Now I’ll calmly dial Alexey. Alexey came right away, listened, asked Nika describe the aunt, the bag, the movement again. Then he looked at Marina. Most likely you will have an inspection.
They will arrive by statement. It’s important not to put on a show. I I will be a witness if the neighbors ask. You didn’t open the package and we won’t. Let them find it where you hid it. You will explain why you removed it. child got scared, hid what seemed dangerous. It’s logical. Everything else is procedure. Marina nodded. I’m afraid.
Not Be afraid and remember, the truth is on your side. And the child is your main witness. They don’t We managed to finish our tea. It’s quiet at the door called. Alexey looked at his watch. B 8 p.m. There are two men in uniform behind the door and a woman in civilian clothes with a folder. Nearby two witnesses, neighbors from the next entrance.
“Good evening,” said senior Availability request has been received prohibited substances in your apartment. “Are you ready to attend the inspection?” “Yes,” said Marina and turned even pale stronger. “Only I want you to be present neighbor He is a former employee and my daughter will be nearby. The elder nodded, introduced everyone, showed certificate and decision to conduct inspection. Everything is according to the law, calm.
They entered. Alexey stood next to him. Nika hugged I held my mother’s hand and didn’t let go. The inspection began in the hallway. One of witnesses recorded the time. Woman with folder asked: “Are there places where you store valuables?” “No,” answered Marina. There are no separate hiding places.
When they approached closet, Nika stepped forward. Sorry, you can tell right away. I saw how it came here Aunt put down the package. I got scared and removed it. It’s under my bed in a box from under the shoes. Everyone froze for a second. It was both simple and scary. Seniorasked: “Walk us out.” In the room Nika took out the box.
My hands were shaking, but she held on. Senior carefully unfolded the towel. Witnesses are closer leaned over. The package was the same tightly wound. It wasn’t opened photographed, packed in another the package was sealed and an explanation was written down Niki and Marina. Alexey confirmed that the girl told him about everything during the day, and he advised not to touch it.
“We’ll take package for examination,” said the senior. “Tomorrow we will invite you for an explanation. The girl, if possible, so as not injure, it will be possible to interview presence of the teacher. Can I go straight away? will I say? – Marina quietly intervened. Key to My sister has an apartment.
She during the day she came, her daughter saw her. I’m not anyone I was waiting. I left for work at 9:00. Sister is this Vera? Write down your name and address – the woman with the folder asked briefly. They left without making a fuss. The door closed. Marina sat down on a stool. Nika clung to her mother. Alexey poured a glass of water for everyone.
“That’s all for today,” he said. The main thing is survived. Next is paper and conversations. I spend the morning. Didn’t sleep well that night, but no more panic. In the morning Alexey really came and went with them to department It wasn’t scary there. Regular office, table, pen, papers. Nick interviewed briefly, carefully presence of a school psychologist.
The girl told without unnecessary details minutes. They believed her, it was a child’s speech straight, like a ruler. By lunchtime they called from another office and reported. Vera was invited give an explanation. She came nervous sweaty and shaking. I hid it in my voice anger and fear. At first I tried to say that I wasn’t there, I don’t know, the keys lost.
Then, when they showed printout of calls and recording from the entrance cameras where she entered the apartment Marina at 11:00 am, began to get confused. She said she was giving a gift niece. She was asked to describe gift. She remained silent. In an hour the conversation broke down and cried. It turned out Vera asked a friend to arrange for her sister lesson so that Marina understands that family You can’t throw it.
An acquaintance who had problems with the law, suggested help. He advised me to write statement to make things faster. Vera agreed, nodded, not thinking about what it was will end. Now she sat opposite the tabletop and I was afraid to look up. We worked further already other people and other articles. Marina there were no articles near these articles.
She needed live. Nika had to be held on to. Alexey kept her away from her as best he could. process. He explained in simple words: “There is a false denunciation, there is an attempt toss, there is what the girl saw. This is serious. You do your thing, work, feed the baby, rest. The paper will do on its own.” Marina returned home.
It was bitter inside, but at the same time lighter than yesterday. Nika walked from room to room, as if she was checking everything whether in place. Alexey insisted to change castle Everything was done on the same day.A week has passed. The house returned normal move. Marina got up earlier again alarm clock, making tea and laying out oat flakes.
Nika coughed less, nose passed too. The kitchen smelled of apples. Alexey came by every morning take a moment to say: “How was the night? And call me if anything happens.” Also left quietly. One evening the doorbell rang. Vera stood on the threshold. Looked worse than usual. Hair with icicles, under eyes of a shadow, in the hands of a bag of pies and a rumpled bouquet of daisies.
Marina, – she started from the doorway, sorry, I was stupid. I didn’t think it would turn out like this. I I was carried away. I wanted you helped as before. I Words were confused. Marina didn’t invite her to come through, She placed a chair in the doorway and sat down on it. Alexey stood nearby in the hallway.
He was invisible, but his presence held conversation within. Faith. Marina said quiet. You wanted me to be taken away. You I wanted my daughter to be left alone. You didn’t think what could happen next? I don’t I understand how my own sister can do this do. I’ve helped you for many years. You I thought I should.
I don’t hold on you’re angry. It eats. But we live next to each other we won’t do it anymore. Do you have the keys? Vera took the key out of her pocket and put it on the nightstand. I’m giving. I’ll give everything. I Me already called. I understand now. Voice she trembled. Take the pies. Marina I looked at the package, took one pie, I returned the rest.
I’ll leave one take the rest. One is enough for us. Go, Vera. The time is now yours. And it will be it still flows. Do it at least once something is right. Vera left without looking back. On the stairs her steps sounded empty. The days are back on place. Morning tea, oatmeal, apple. Nicky’s diary is on the table.
Work during the day and school. In the evening, soup and lessons. Saturdays market. Sometimes Alexey has movies on his laptop in the living room, like good old neighbors. Sometimes there was silence, and that was enough. Nika became more attentive. She became ask the right questions. Why do you need to change the lock if the key stayed with your aunt? Because that’s how it is calmer.
Why can’t you believe everything you say? Because that the words are not supported by anything, but actions are backed up by deeds. Why did the police come in the evening? Because the statement was written in advance, and so they work. Marina answered, just not dodging. The girl grew up not because of trouble, but next to true.
This was more important. One evening Alexey I stopped by, as usual, for 5 minutes and was delayed for half an hour. Nika asked show you how to tie a knot correctly on a rope. He was sitting at the table, holding rope, talked about the figure eight, about that knots are like words, the first time is tight, then equalize.
Marina smiled quietly and I cut apples. The house was safe. Marina thought about how easy it was for her to I gave it for years and how difficult it turned out to be say no. She repeated many times about yourself, that good without a head is a disaster and that love should not be confused with helplessness.
She didn’t get any tougher because of it, she just learned to stand not with a fist, but straight back. A couple of weeks later a letter arrived. The investigation admitted that Marina not involved, the package was confiscated and added to business. By faith and her acquaintance they go procedural actions. Marina read it put it in the folder that Alexey called the shield.
The folder was on top shelf next to family photos. That same evening I brought Nika home from school drawing. The picture showed their door apartments, a green rug, and next to two figures: mother and girl. Behind them is a neighbor with a knotted rope in his hands, and above the door there is a small key, drawn in bright yellow.
Nika put the drawing on the table and said: “This is our door. She is smart now. She knows who to let in.” Marina laughed. Simple words are sometimes warmer than the most correct phrases. And on Sunday he and Alexey hung it on the wall small board with hook and signed chalk keys.
It was an ordinary hook, but now it meant order: yours, homely, quiet. In the evening Marina once again mentally back to that day. How it clicked the door, how the child’s fingers clenched, how trouble walked through them with ugly steps hallway and how they didn’t let this trouble in beyond the kitchen. Neither by loud shouting nor fight, no tears, honesty, witness and paper.
and the fact that the child did not remain silent. This is the main thing. She didn’t know how to proceed faith will work out. I didn’t expect revenge or repentance. I just set a boundary. Sometimes that’s the hardest thing put a border where I have been all my life passage But if the border protects the child and home, she deserves to be hold.
Marina turned off the light in the kitchen and walked into room and straightened Nicky’s blanket. girl slept with her nose buried in the pillow. Scythe on the cheek, breathing is even. Marina sat down on edge of the bed and whispered: “Thank you for not being afraid to say it.” The next morning it all started again the same. Water, tea, 2 minutes by the window.
But now in this same thing there was still one thing: calm confidence that home knows how to protect himself not with a door, but with people inside. And that every help has a face, and each truth has its own voice. Sometimes it’s the voice of a child who whispers in time: “Mom, don’t be afraid, I saw everything.
” And the world moves on because someone found it in Strength not to remain silent. M.