Life can hit you when you least expect it. I’ve experienced it myself. My name is Anja.
Until recently, I was living what I thought was a perfect life with my husband, Lev, and our two-year-old son, Alyosha, in a cozy home. We seemed happy. And suddenly, everything fell apart.
„I think we were in too much of a hurry, Anja. ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t take it anymore,’ Lev said one evening as he packed his things. My legs literally buckled.
„Leva, you’re joking, right? You can’t walk like that! And what about Alyosha? He’s only two!” I pleaded, hoping it was just a bad joke.
„That’s why, Anja!” he replied. „I’m tired of all the responsibility. I need time for myself. I’ve found someone who understands what I’m going through. Please, let me go.”
When he left, I collapsed. How could someone I loved, someone who had never shown unhappiness, simply leave us?
When I was alone, I tried to find a job while taking care of Alyosha. But it was much harder than I thought.
A few weeks later, we were evicted: I couldn’t pay the rent. Social services soon arrived and took Alyosha away, believing he was safer elsewhere.
That night, I was homeless and without my son. My heart was broken.
I sold everything I owned, including my cell phone. The money didn’t last long.
One night, while sitting on a cold bench, I remembered Dad’s words. He had warned me about Lev: „He’s not right for you.” I wish I had listened. I decided to do everything I could to get in touch with him.
I knew that if I borrowed someone’s phone, they probably wouldn’t answer. Or ignore an unknown number. Maybe no one would even want to lend their cell phone to a homeless girl. I needed one of my own.
I started saving. Or rather, starving myself. She went a whole week without eating so I could buy a used phone.
When I finally dialed her number, tears streamed down my cheeks.
„Hello? Who is it?” I heard on the receiver.
„It’s… Dad… it’s me, Anja,” I sobbed.