“Mom, looks like you won’t be seeing grandchildren anytime soon,” Pavel joked as he happily ate his favorite pastries, fresh from the oven, placed generously onto his plate by Irina.
“And why’s that?” his mother asked, surprised.
“Well, look at me… I’m over thirty already, and I don’t even have a girlfriend. Sasha’s son already goes to school, and they’re expecting another one. Meanwhile, I don’t even have a candidate,” Pavel sighed.
“You’ll meet her eventually,” Irina replied warmly. “Getting married just because others have families or to please your father and me with grandchildren would be foolish. Honestly, I’d rather never have grandchildren than see you unhappy in your marriage.”
“Mom, you’re pure gold! Better than any therapist,” Pavel smiled. “By the way, are there any more pastries coming soon?”
About two years had passed since that conversation, and Pavel started genuinely fearing loneliness. Although the thought itself hadn’t seriously bothered him earlier, the idea of growing old alone gradually began weighing heavily on him. While he was young and energetic, his days and evenings were filled with friends, colleagues, and casual gatherings. Solitude was something he occasionally enjoyed, but what about later, when the phone would stop ringing with invitations?
No, Pavel did not want that kind of future. He realized he had to make decisions without delay.
At that time, he’d been dating Nastya for about six months. On paper, everything about her seemed perfect: she was mature yet youthful, attractive, intelligent (as evidenced by her two degrees), and had a good job at a reputable firm. Yet Pavel felt something was missing—there wasn’t that heart-fluttering tenderness or sense of excitement.
This uncertainty made him hesitate. Additionally, he had vague inner doubts he couldn’t quite pinpoint. Small things in Nastya’s behavior occasionally troubled him subconsciously, though they quickly faded away.
Nastya, on the other hand, seemed completely confident about their future. After only a month, she introduced Pavel to her parents, openly signaling that she considered him her future husband. Soon, she started regularly bringing up their life together—talking about a house, traveling, and making future plans.
Recently, she’d even asked Pavel to pick a name for their future child.
“Why are you asking?” Pavel replied cautiously, prepared for any response, even perhaps the news of an actual pregnancy.
“Oh, just dreaming a bit,” Nastya laughed. “Relax. But really… when will you introduce me to your parents?”
Pavel carefully studied her.
“She’s genuinely good. She’d make a wonderful wife. Our kids would be beautiful…” he thought, finally saying aloud, “Of course, I’ll introduce you. And I’d also like you to be my wife.”
“Oh, how romantic! Wow!” Nastya laughed loudly, ruffling Pavel’s hair. “Come on, don’t be offended. This is wonderful, even a bit unusual—a proposal by the river, under golden falling leaves, instead of the usual candles and music.”
Then she spun around happily, singing a popular tune.
“Mom, I want to introduce you to my girlfriend. We’ve decided to get married soon,” Pavel announced over the phone. “Hello? Mom? Why aren’t you saying anything? Aren’t you happy?”
“Yes, I am happy. It’s just…”
“Just what? You haven’t even met Nastya or talked to her, yet you already seem dissatisfied.”
“What makes you think I’m dissatisfied? Enough of this. When will you come?” Irina asked.
“How about Saturday evening?” Pavel suggested.
After hanging up, Irina sat quietly, reflecting. She knew precisely why the news hadn’t excited her. But how could she explain to her son that a mother’s intuition was rarely wrong? She hadn’t noticed that special sparkle in his eyes, the one that appears when a person is truly in love. She hadn’t seen the invisible wings behind his back—the clear signs of someone genuinely happy. Pavel was likely marrying simply because he thought it was “about time.”
What mother would rejoice at such news?
Nastya was nervous about meeting her future mother-in-law, knowing how important first impressions were. She chose her clothes carefully—stylish yet modest—and did subtle, understated makeup.
It seemed to Nastya that she’d left a positive impression. Pavel’s father certainly liked her, showering her with compliments. His mother, however, whose opinion Nastya valued the most, remained politely reserved—no negativity, yet no warmth either.
Later, Pavel asked, “So, what did you think of my parents?”
“They’re fine. Especially your dad,” Nastya replied.
“Yes… Dad’s a charmer! Mom’s more of a strategist,” Pavel laughed.
The next day, his mother called him in for a serious conversation.
“So, how do you like Nastya?” Pavel asked confidently, expecting praise, but was surprised by his mother’s response.
“She’s beautiful,” Irina sighed, shaking her head. “But…”
“But what, Mom? Tell me honestly, what’s wrong with Nastya? I can see you didn’t like her. Why?”
“That’s exactly the issue—I can’t put my finger on it,” Irina confessed. “Everything seems fine, smooth, proper… yet something feels off. Yesterday I couldn’t understand why my intuition was ringing alarm bells. Today I finally figured it out. Pavel, I don’t think she truly loves you. Honestly, it seems she loves no one but herself. Yesterday, she was constantly admiring herself, observing herself from the outside, completely captivated by her own beauty, charm, and intelligence. You weren’t even in her thoughts. She won’t make a good wife for you.”
“Wow, Mom, you’re like some psychic now?” Pavel chuckled. “Are you that sure?”
“No, not completely. It’s just intuition. Perhaps I’m mistaken. Ultimately, it’s your decision—you know better.”
“Hey, Mom…” Pavel’s father interrupted, entering the kitchen. “Stop bothering the boy. She’s a fine girl—modest, pretty, has a good job. What more do you need?”
“Yes, perhaps,” Irina reluctantly agreed. “But I want our son to be happy, loved genuinely—not married just because he’s successful, has an apartment, a car, and a good job.”
His mother’s words troubled Pavel, but not for long. Soon he seemingly forgot them. Yet, subconsciously, those doubts stuck with him.
Still, Pavel moved forward, preparing steadily for the wedding. He and Nastya picked out rings, compiled a guest list, and made all necessary arrangements. He couldn’t imagine anything derailing their plans, unless something drastic—like an earthquake or tsunami—occurred. Death or infidelity didn’t cross his mind.
Then came an event seemingly minor to some, yet deeply meaningful to Pavel.
“Pasha, my dad’s car is in the shop. Could you drive him to our country house tonight after work? He forgot something there,” Nastya called, making Pavel happy—he was already being treated like family.
Pavel knew the route well. He’d been there multiple times during summer. Now, in late autumn, the houses and trees covered with the first snowfall looked different but charming. Soon, he’d celebrate New Year as a married man.
As Pavel arrived, Nastya’s father opened the gate, and their dog, Timokha, joyfully rushed to greet them, wagging his tail. Meanwhile, their cat, Marusya, ran up, meowing pitifully at Nastya’s feet.
“Get out of here,” her father shouted harshly, pushing the dog away.
Surprised, Pavel gently called the sad-looking dog over. Timokha stared at Pavel’s empty hand, obviously hungry.
Then Pavel saw his beautiful, gentle fiancée kick away the hungry cat in disgust. Pavel’s heart sank, releasing all doubts and recalling his mother’s words.
“I don’t understand,” Pavel said firmly. “You’re not taking the animals with you?”
“They’re not pedigree animals,” Nastya’s father explained. “Just seasonal ones.”
“You mean you’ll leave them here to freeze and starve?”
“Come on, Pavel, let’s go. That’s just how it works. Next summer we’ll get new ones,” Nastya said carelessly.
Pavel was silent the entire way home, haunted by Timokha’s eyes following them sadly as they left.
Later, pretending to return for something forgotten, Pavel picked up the animals and left, never looking back. Soon after, he called off the wedding.
A year later, Pavel knew that fate had saved him from a huge mistake. Katya wasn’t as beautiful as Nastya, was older, and had a child from a previous relationship. Yet, she was exactly the woman Pavel wanted to hold forever.
“Mom, don’t say Katya’s child is baggage, or we’ll be enemies.”
“No, Pavel,” Irina smiled warmly. “She’s the one. Hold onto her tightly. I’m so happy you’ve finally found your soulmate.”