“Nina, why are we doing this?”

Nina sighed. “I don’t trust him, Nikolai. Katya’s in love and blind to his flaws.”

“Alright, but these cheap clothes feel uncomfortable.”

“No one will recognize you. People like us don’t notice those down there.”

Years ago, Nina had struggled with alcoholism and bad company, but after a pregnant woman begged her to save her, she swore off alcohol. The woman died during childbirth, and Katya was brought into their family, no one suspecting she wasn’t their biological daughter.

Nikolai had forgotten the past, but now, their daughter was about to marry a secretive man. They had always known everything about her, so this was suspicious. Nikita seemed fine, but the secrecy raised questions.

Nina never expected Katya to hide things. They’d always intervened with past suitors before it went too far.

***

Nikita’s parents lived in the suburbs, so Nina and Nikolai decided to take the electric train, hoping that by showing their modest lifestyle, they’d change their attitude toward Katya and bring her back home.

Later, a dirty girl with a gypsy-style scarf stood next to Nina. She introduced herself as Sara and offered to read Nina’s fortune. Nina jokingly read hers first and surprised the girl by describing her desire for a big doll with blue eyes. Sara, taken aback, revealed she lived with gypsies who beat her if she didn’t bring back money. Nina decided to help her.

They got off the train, and a car arrived with Nikita. The couple, still in their “homeless” appearance, quickly climbed in. Sara muttered, “Rosa’s going to kill me.”

Nikita drove fast, and once they were away from the city, he asked, “Did we steal the child?”

Nina, unsure how it looked, responded, “I didn’t think about that. Why are you helping us?”

Nikita shrugged, “I trust you.”

When they arrived, Nikita was surprised by their house. “You live here?”

Nina nodded, “Didn’t Katya tell you?”

Nikita paused, “She never let me walk her home.”

Nina smiled, “She’ll stay with us tonight. We’ll help her.”

As they got out, Nina turned to Nikita, “We owe you an apology.”

He was surprised, “Apologize to me?”

Nina, embarrassed, said, “We suspected you didn’t love Katya. We dressed like this to see your parents. Now, I feel ashamed.”

Nikita smiled, “I wasn’t offended. Katya hid things because she thought you’d find faults in me.”

Nina sighed, “We just love our daughter so much. We don’t want to lose her.”

***

Three months later…

“Mom, I’m so happy!”

Nina wiped away tears. “Forgive me, I’ve been overprotective. Parents always think they know best.”

Katya laughed. “If it weren’t for your control, I might’ve married a fraud like Denis. He’s in prison now for theft.”

Before Nina could reply, Liza burst into the room. Nina had taken Liza in after finding out she was an orphan, living with gypsies after her parents died in an accident.

“Nina, I see how hard this is for you, but I’ve gotten used to Liza’s voice. Maybe…”

Nina rushed into Nikolai’s arms, tears streaming down her face.

“Mom, Katya, look what I made! I did it myself!”

Liza handed them a card for the bride and groom. Katya hugged her. “Liza, you’re so clever! I’m proud of you, little sister!”

Liza beamed. “Little sister…”

Nina sighed. She and Nikolai had decided to tell Katya the truth on her wedding day. Today was that day.

“Katya, we need to talk seriously. I don’t know how you’ll react, but we’ve decided you need to know. Before anything else, your dad and I love you more than our own lives.”

Katya nodded. “This means a lot to me. Mom, I love you both so much. If anything, I know I’m adopted.”

Nina collapsed into the chair, overwhelmed. “How long have you known?”

Katya shrugged. “A few years. Mom, I really hope nothing changes between us.”

They sat in silence, embracing each other. The silence was broken by Liza.

“Mom, I met a boy on my way to the tutor! He’s so nice and can draw a crocodile!”

Nina sat up straight. “Lizochka, tell me everything about him! You know you must tell me everything!”

Katya chuckled softly and whispered in Liza’s ear. “Well, I’m with Nikita now, and you’re the oldest.”