A LIFE-CHANGING DECISION

For as long as Gennady could remember, he had lived under the heavy weight of his parents' expectations. When he turned 17, a mysterious illness struck, and his life became a whirlwind of endless doctor visits and treatments. Despite their vast wealth, his parents, Alexander and Anna Nikolaevna, spared no expense in their search for a cure, but Gennady's condition remained unclear, and nothing seemed to improve.

THE LIFE-CHANGING DECISION

As Gennady’s health declined further, his mother, Anna Nikolaevna, grew increasingly protective, making decisions for him at every turn. However, Gennady found solace in Lena, a kind and simple girl he met at university. They became close friends, and over time, their friendship blossomed into love. Despite his parents' concerns, Gennady and Lena decided to marry.

This news did not sit well with his parents, especially Anna Nikolaevna. "Gena, are you sure about this?" she asked with a hint of doubt. "She's only after your money, isn’t she?"

Gennady let out a long sigh. "Mom, I understand your concerns, but you're mistaken. Arguing about this won't change anything. I know what I’m doing."

Anna Nikolaevna was unconvinced. "You're an attractive catch, Gena. Any woman would want to be with you. Don’t you realize what’s at stake?"

Gennady closed his eyes, trying to block out the exhaustion caused by the constant tension. "What’s more important to you, Mom? Our reputation, or my happiness?"

Anna Nikolaevna looked helplessly at her husband, Alexander. "Sasha, why aren’t you saying anything?"

Alexander, putting his newspaper down, smiled slightly. "Anya, you always make the decisions. When things go wrong, you turn to me. Let Gena make his own choices. I think Lena is a good girl."

Anna Nikolaevna frowned. "A good girl? In our time, no one survives without money!"

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "You weren’t always wealthy either, have you forgotten?"

Anna Nikolaevna became agitated. "Sasha, you’re irresponsible! Our son is ruining his life!"

"Calm down," Alexander replied calmly. "Gena’s treatment will continue. Maybe Lena will have a positive impact on him. What’s the problem?"

Anna Nikolaevna stormed out of the room, and Gennady turned to his father. "Thanks, Dad."

“How are you feeling?” Alexander asked gently.

"I’m fine. Don’t worry," Gennady replied.

THE MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS

At 17, Gennady’s health began to decline mysteriously. Doctors couldn’t pinpoint a cause. Treatments helped only slightly. One renowned professor had said, "It seems your son can no longer fight off illnesses. If this had happened a hundred years ago, I would have called it a curse. But now, there’s nothing we can do but watch."

Alexander knew that wealth couldn’t solve everything, but he still poured large sums into the best clinics. Eventually, Gennady asked for a break. "Please, let me rest. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to sleep in my own bed."

Surprisingly, his mother, who had pushed for every treatment possible, agreed. "Sasha, maybe it’s time to let Gena rest. Let’s follow the doctors’ advice."

Alexander waved it off, but there was no improvement, so Gennady stayed home. Slowly, his appetite returned, and he gained a little weight.

From then on, Gennady only visited the clinic for check-ups twice a year.

THE WEDDING AND THE GIFT

After years of friendship, Lena confessed her feelings to Gennady, and he agreed to marry her. The wedding, much grander than expected, was planned by his mother. It seemed like the whole town had been invited. Lena kept a smile on her face, but the tension in the air was palpable.

The relationship between Lena’s mother, Galina Ivanovna, and Anna Nikolaevna was strained from the start. Anna Nikolaevna thought Lena’s family lacked status and wealth and felt that Galina should be grateful for the match. Galina, on the other hand, kept her distance from Gennady’s parents.

The night’s climax came with the gift presentation. Galina Ivanovna announced that the young couple would receive a small house inherited from her grandfather. Anna Nikolaevna’s reaction was immediate. "How can you give that rundown shack on the edge of nowhere as a gift?" she exclaimed.

Gennady shot his mother a reproachful look. "Mom, please."

"What’s ‘please,’ Gena? Nothing can be fixed now!" Anna Nikolaevna snapped.

After Galina Ivanovna left, Anna turned to her husband. "Did you see her? She does nothing, but she acts like royalty!"

A SURPRISE AFTER THE WEDDING

Days after the wedding, Gennady told his parents, "Lena and I decided to move into the house Galina Ivanovna gave us."

Anna Nikolaevna was furious. "Are you out of your mind? She wants to hide you away so you’ll deteriorate faster, and then she’ll take everything!"

Alexander frowned. "Anya, calm down. What are you saying?"

Anna exploded. "I’m saying he needs constant medical supervision, and he’s planning to go to a remote place? I won’t allow it!"

"We already have the tickets," Gennady said calmly.

Anna’s face changed. "Fine, don’t come to me for help anymore. Let your new family handle you."

"Thanks, Dad," Gennady said quietly.

Alexander, still concerned, added, "But why there? That place is a real dump."

Gennady smiled. "There are healing springs there. Lena and her mother believe it will help me. I’m not sure, but why not try?"

"You’re a skeptic," Alexander chuckled. "Sometimes the unexplainable is the most effective. I wish you the best of luck."

THE TRANSFORMATION

When Gennady and Lena arrived at the house, he was taken aback by the overgrown yard. "It’s a mess here!" he exclaimed.

Lena smiled. "It’s been years since anyone lived here. A little work, and it’ll be good as new."

Inside, Gennady was pleasantly surprised. The house was cozy and well-maintained. After a long journey, he collapsed onto the couch and fell asleep instantly.

As Lena took care of the cleaning, Gennady noticed a change in himself. He was feeling better. His energy returned, and his appetite increased. "I can’t believe it," he said one evening, "but it’s working!"

Lena grinned. "I told you, miracles happen in places like this."

Gennady raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so sure?"

"When I was a child, I spent a lot of time here and saw many strange things," she said.

"Of course," Gennady teased, "and all the local boys were after you, right?"

Lena laughed. "Stop it! By the way, tomorrow’s a surprise for you!"

Gennady tried to coax her into revealing it, but Lena kept quiet. They went to sleep that night full of hope for the future.

A FAMILY REUNION AND A SURPRISE

Months later, Anna Nikolaevna’s anxiety grew. "I can’t believe how indifferent you are! Half a year has passed since that girl took our son, and you’ve done nothing!" she complained to her husband.

"Anya," Alexander replied calmly, "He’s married now, living his own life."

Anna stamped her foot. "A month ago, he was supposed to be admitted to the hospital, but now he just reassures me and hangs up. How can he be fine without treatment?"

Finally, Alexander suggested, "If you’re so worried, let’s visit them."

Anna agreed, and they set off for the village.

When they arrived at the house, Anna gasped. "My God, what a wreck!"

Alexander laughed. "I like it. Fresh air, no trash... Oh, look, a hare!"

Anna was in disbelief. "It’s like a nature reserve! I wouldn’t be surprised if bears roam the streets."

As they approached the house, Gennady appeared on the porch, healthy and happy. Anna was speechless. "Gena, how you’ve changed!" she exclaimed.

Gennady hugged her tightly. "It’s all thanks to Lena. And the bees," he added with a grin.

Lena joined them on the porch, and Anna thanked her for everything. "You did what the best doctors couldn’t."

After settling in, Gennady took out a bottle of homemade mead. "Here’s some mead, Dad. Real, homemade."

Alexander laughed. "You’re acting like true hosts! You have everything right here!"

They all tasted the mead, except Lena. Anna noticed and asked, "Still offended? You won’t even drink for our sake?"

Lena blushed. "I can’t."

Anna turned to Gennady. "Is she sick?"

Gennady smiled. "We’re having a baby. So, Mom, get ready to be a grandmother!"

Tears filled Anna’s eyes. "A grandchild! I’m going to be a grandmother!"

Immediately, she began making plans. "I’m staying here for a couple of weeks. Let’s buy everything the baby will need. Sasha, haven’t you been promising me a new car? Well, it’s time to get it! And a big one, so I can bring everything the baby will need before he or she arrives."

The laughter continued as Anna Nikolaevna took charge of everything. Lena embraced her. "I’ll listen to you. Gennady knows nothing about these things, and I’m a little scared."

Anna hugged her warmly. "Don’t be afraid, I’m always here for you.