Anatoly grew up in a modest family. His parents did everything they could to ensure that their only heir had everything he needed. God knows how hard it was for Pavel to provide for his son’s education.
Despite the challenges facing the elderly couple, Pavel and Elizaveta raised an intelligent and ambitious young man. Shortly after graduating from university, Anatoly left the family nest, moving from the countryside to the capital. Tolya quickly found a prestigious job and even a partner. Masha turned out to be a modest girl, despite her parents’ wealth, about which legends were told at university. After getting a promotion at work, Anatoly asked for his beloved’s hand in marriage.
“She said ‘yes’, can you imagine that, Dad?” Anatoly couldn’t contain his excitement. “So, Dad, is it time to get the suit out of the closet? Oh, how I have been waiting for this moment, Anatoly,” Pavel exclaimed on the other end of the line.
“Dad, here’s the thing… In short, we’ve decided to have a small get-together, spend some time somewhere with friends, then go our separate ways. Don’t worry, I’ll introduce you to Masha after the wedding,” Tolya reassured his disappointed father.
After hanging up the phone, Anatoly sighed with relief. Anatoly sincerely loved his father, but he didn’t want to find himself in an awkward situation because of a relative who knew nothing about Michelin-starred restaurants, had never traveled abroad and couldn’t strike up a conversation about cryptocurrencies.
The long-awaited and exciting day had arrived. Anatoly was surprised when the host announced a toast from the bride’s side of the family. Sergey entered the room, supporting Pavel by the elbow.
“I’m proud to introduce my new relative, who sacrificed his health and his youth working in the mines so that his son would never know destitution.”
“Parents are sacred, Anatoly. Cherish your father, you only have one,” Anatoly’s father-in-law summed up as he shook hands with Anatoly’s father, who stood among the tables dressed in an old-fashioned suit with patches on the elbows.
Anatoly burst into tears, hugging his aging relative.
“Anatoly, we’ve decided to surprise you. Don’t be angry with the old man,” Anatoly’s father smiled.
Sergey patted Anatoly on the shoulder with understanding.
“I’ve already arranged things with the guys for the repairs; our grandchildren will be coming to grandpa’s summer house this summer,” Sergey exclaimed as he headed for the next table.
