It was another long night in Anna’s house. Little Timofey had cried again at three in the morning, his tiny body warm, his face red from discomfort. Anna gently rocked him in her arms, trying to calm him down while her husband, Oleg, slept soundly in the next room.
As she rocked Timofey, her mother, Galina Petrovna, appeared at the doorway in her robe, looking concerned.
“Is it his tummy again?” she asked softly, stepping closer to offer help. “Let me hold him for a bit. You go and rest. You haven’t eaten anything all day.”
Anna was tired but smiled at her mother. “Mom, you’ve been on your feet all day already. Go back to bed. I’ll be fine.”
But Galina Petrovna was insistent. “At my age, sleep doesn’t come easily. I’ll be up again in a couple of hours anyway,” she said gently as she took Timofey from Anna’s arms.
Galina Petrovna had been an unshakable presence in their home ever since Timofey was born. A retired schoolteacher, she had been helping Anna and Oleg with everything—from cooking meals to caring for the baby. Her hands, though aged by time, were full of energy and wisdom.
Anna went into the kitchen and found a plate of cutlets her mother had left for her. Galina Petrovna had made sure she ate, just like she always did. In the past few months, she had practically moved in, taking on a huge portion of the household chores to allow Anna some rest.
Later that morning, as Oleg was getting ready for work, Anna brought up a conversation she had had with her mother the night before.
“Mom’s been so exhausted lately, Oleg,” Anna said. “She really needs rest, and there’s that sanatorium voucher she’s been offered. Tomorrow is the last day to make a decision.”
Oleg paused, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. “But why not give the voucher to my mom? She’s been telling me how tired she is, and I know how much the soap operas have been wearing her out emotionally. Maybe a break would do her some good.”
Anna felt a wave of frustration. “Oleg, my mom has been here for us every day, helping with the baby, cooking, cleaning, and she’s barely had time for herself. Meanwhile, your mom has only visited us a few times and hasn’t offered any help.”
Oleg, trying to be logical, replied, “But she’s the one who really needs the rest, Anna.”
Anna, holding her composure, turned to her mother, who had entered the room with Timofey in her arms.
“Mom, you’re going to the sanatorium,” Anna said firmly. “No arguments. You’ve done so much for us, and you deserve this.”
Galina Petrovna tried to protest, but Anna wouldn’t hear it. “You’ve helped us every single day. It’s time for you to rest.”
Later that evening, when Oleg returned home, he was greeted by an unexpected sight—Anna had packed a suitcase and was about to leave.
“Where are you going?” he asked, confused.
“I’m going to a friend’s for a few days,” Anna replied. “Timofey will stay with you. It’s time to see if your theory about who’s really tired holds up. I’m sure you and your mom will have a great time together.”
Oleg tried to protest, but Anna was resolute. She left for her friend’s house, leaving Oleg alone with Timofey.
The next two days were a challenge for Oleg. He quickly realized just how much work it was to take care of a baby. Timofey cried constantly, and no matter how much Oleg tried to comfort him, he struggled to keep up.
By the second night, Oleg called his mother, desperate for help. “Mom, can you come over? I’m really struggling here.”
His mother, engrossed in her favorite soap opera, hesitated. “I’m worried about Irina’s storyline. Maybe tomorrow?”
Oleg, exasperated, responded, “I need help *now*.”
His mother was unresponsive, and Oleg felt the weight of his situation.
The next day, Anna returned home, only to find a frazzled Oleg surrounded by mess and exhaustion. Timofey had finally settled, but Oleg looked defeated.
“Are you okay?” Anna asked, her eyes softening.
Oleg stood up, clearly humbled. “I was wrong, Anna. I didn’t understand how hard it is. I thought staying home with a baby was easy, but now I see the truth.”
Anna gently took Timofey from his arms, and the baby quieted immediately.
“Now do you see?” she asked quietly.
“I do. I’ve been selfish, and I didn’t appreciate everything you and your mom do,” Oleg admitted. “Your mom is incredible. She deserves that voucher—and so much more.”
Anna smiled and nodded. “I don’t want you to feel guilty. I just want you to understand and appreciate the work she does. And I want us both to appreciate it from now on.”
“I’ll call my mom and explain,” Oleg said. “And I’m going to make it right.”
Anna laughed. “No need. Let’s just make sure that next time your mom complains about being tired from watching TV, we can remind her what real exhaustion feels like.”
As Oleg watched Anna cradle Timofey in her arms, he knew that his relationship with his wife had changed. He had learned a valuable lesson in understanding, appreciation, and the importance of shared responsibility.
And so, as the days went by, Oleg became a more involved and understanding father and husband, working alongside Anna to build a home based on mutual respect and shared effort. He also promised to do something special for Galina Petrovna when she returned from her much-needed rest at the sanatorium.
As Anna looked at her husband, she smiled. “You’re already becoming a better father.”
Oleg kissed her on the cheek. “I’m trying, Anna. I’m trying.”
And somewhere, in the peaceful setting of the sanatorium, Galina Petrovna slept soundly, knowing that her love and hard work had finally been recognized—and that her family was stronger than ever.
