gone through all the tests she was about to leave the clinic.
«And what about the results? You’re not interested, I suppose?!» the doctor suddenly asked her.
«Why am I not interested?» she was slightly surprised at what she heard.
«You forgot to ask when you can get these very results,» he reminded.
«Ah, right. I completely forgot. When can I get the results of all my checks?»
«In three days. Your family doctor will inform you.»
«Good. Thank you, Doctor.»
«Goodbye, Martha.»
«Goodbye.»
«Take care of yourself.»
«Thank you, Doctor. All the best to you,» she said goodbye and left the office.
That’s all. It is done. All the required tests were taken and all the necessary checks were passed. She could finally go home to her children.
Upon arrival she saw the children sitting on the sofa in the living room. As usual, they were watching their favorite cartoons.
«Hi, guys! Mom’s home,» she said as soon as she entered the house.
«Hi, Mom,» the children’s voices were heard at the same time.
«How are you? How was your day today?»
«I’m fine, Mom,» Mark answered without hesitation.
«Me too,» Greta answered a little belatedly.
«So am I.»
«Mom, why did you come home later than usual today, like yesterday?»
«Well, you see, son, both today and yesterday I had some things to do.
«What kind of things, Mom?»
«It’s none of your business.»
«Aren’t you going to tell us anything?» his curiosity seemed to know no bounds.
«Why don’t you stop bothering Mom with your questions?» Greta entered the conversation. «She doesn’t have to report to you about her personal affairs!»
«It’s all right, daughter, I don’t need protection,» Martha said, after which she continued. «You understand, son, adults have their own business, which they are not obliged to tell everyone about.»
«I understand, Mom. I was just curious. After all, we are not strangers to each other.»
«We aren’t,» she agreed. «I understand your curiosity, son. Perhaps I will tell you later about it. Later, but definitely not today. I’m really tired right now.
I just want to take a break from all my affairs and work as well and get some rest.»
«Okay, Mom. I understand.»
«Fine,» she said, and went to the kitchen.
She opened the refrigerator considering its contents.
«We still have chicken schnitzels. That’s good,» she said. «Do you want something for dinner?» she asked.
«We’ve already eaten tonight, Mom,» Mark answered.
«What did you have?»
«Today after school we went to a pizzeria called Pizza Italiano.»
«Oh, I see. Where did you get the money for the pizzeria?» she suddenly became very interested.
«I still have leftovers from last time.»
«Last time?» she asked.
«Well, from my birthday. Remember, you gave me money that day yourself?»
«That’s right,» she agreed.
«That’s the money Greta and I paid for the pizza today.»
«I see. So, you are not hungry guys?» she decided to make sure again.
«No, don’t cook for us. Not for me, anyway.»
«Good. More for me,» she said with a smile on her face.
And on that joyful note, she began to cook her dinner.
Today, her children did not stay up late. They went to their rooms on time. During this time, Martha managed to have dinner and take a hot bath.
After that, she decided that now she would also go to bed. Her energy reserve for today was almost exhausted. However, this time she supposed she still had time check upon her children’s bedrooms before going to bed herself. To begin with, she decided to see her daughter. She slowly opened the door and saw that Greta was already sound asleep in her bed. After that, she headed to her son’s room to check if he was sleeping. Opening the door, she saw Mark lying on his bed. She stood for a while near the door and was about to leave the room. At that moment, her son turned to her and raised his head.
«I’m still awake,» he said in a low voice.
«Haven’t you fallen asleep yet, son?»
«No, Mom. I can’t sleep.»
«You’ve got something on your mind again?»
«Yes, Mom. You’re right,» he admitted to her.
«Let go of all your thoughts and relax, son. Don’t think about anything and you’ll soon fall asleep,» she advised him.
«I am trying but it doesn’t work, Mom. There are questions that still bother me.»
«What kind of questions, my dear?»
«I have already asked you several times. But never received an answer to them,» he said with anguish in his voice.
«You see, sweetheart, there are things that I cannot tell you yet,» she admitted honestly.
«I know, Mom. But you should try to understand me too.»
«What is it that stops you from falling asleep right now?»
«I asked you this question a couple of days ago.»
«About your Dad?»
«Yes.»
«Oh, Mark. It’s not that simple,» she said and sighed heavily.
«See! You never answered this question for me!» he stated.
«It’s all very difficult, darling,» she sighed again. «I think I’ll talk to you and Greta about it a little later.»
«Later? And when is it going to be?»
«When you grow up.»
«But I’ve grown up already! I’m already twelve years old! I’m not a kid anymore, Mom.»
«Quiet, my son, don’t speak so loudly or you’ll wake up your sister,» she said, and fell silent for a while. «I will definitely tell you everything, but not today. Deal?»
«Deal.»
«Don’t be angry with me, please. Maybe after Christmas I’ll tell you the whole truth about your father.»
«Do you promise?»
«I do.»
«So, you’ll tell us everything after Christmas?»
«Yes, after Christmas I will tell you everything. Now close your eyes and don’t think about anything.»
«Okay, Mom.»
«Good night, sweetie.»
«Good night, Mom.»
In parting, Martha patted her son on the head and kissed him on the forehead. It’s true, they are already quite adults.
Mark will turn thirteen next year. And Greta was quite smart and developed beyond her years. It would be impossible to hide the truth from them all the time.
Besides, it’s just