Rimma said, lowering her head sadly.
"What’s wrong? Are you okay?" Ruslan asked with concern.
"Yes… It’s just that if you leave, I’ll miss you very much."
"Me too," Ruslan was silent for a moment, then confidently added, "But don’t worry! I’ll visit you every day!"
"Really?!" Rimma exclaimed hopefully.
"Really."
They talked for a long time until Rimma’s mother called her home.
"I have to go now. Goodbye!" she said, getting up.
"Goodbye, see you soon."
After talking with his friend, Ruslan felt lighter. He stepped back into the house with a peaceful heart.
"Mama, where are you?" he called out as he climbed the stairs to the second floor.
Maya was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear her son’s voice. Ruslan quietly opened the door to her room and called again:
"Mama!"
She flinched, as if waking from a deep sleep. Looking at her son, she stood up and walked toward him. Embracing him, she burst into tears once more. Now, she had no one left except Ruslan—the only reminder of her past happiness.
He looked so much like his father: tall, slender, with delicate, expressive features. His black, slightly wavy hair framed his fair skin, and his large dark eyes—despite his blindness—radiated warmth and kindness, just like Ahmad’s.
At that moment, Maya realized she had to live for her son. She made a firm decision: to devote herself to him and never bind her life to anyone else again.
Years passed. Seventeen years, to be exact. At twenty-four, Ruslan had grown into a handsome, noble young man, and Maya was immensely proud of him.
One day, Rimma invited him to her birthday party. He was delighted and asked his mother for advice on a gift. Maya knew that Ruslan had strong feelings for Rimma, so she decided to give him a family heirloom—a bracelet that had belonged to her grandmother.
Evening came. Ruslan dressed up and was ready to go to the celebration. Seeing him, Maya couldn’t hold back her tears.
"What’s wrong, Mama?" he asked, concerned.
"Nothing, my son… It’s just that right now, you look so much like your father," she said softly.
"Really? Tell me about him."
"He was a handsome and kind man," Maya said sadly. "But let’s not talk about the past… You’ll be late."
"Alright, Mama. Just promise me you won’t cry anymore," he asked.
"I promise,"