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In a corner of a fast-food restaurant in the small town, Larry and Natasha sat across from each other. "Is your father your only family?" Larry asked.
Natasha shook her head. "I have two older brothers and an older sister, but they all live in the big city. At home, it's just my mother and me. My mother only knows how to farm and raise pigs, along with some chickens. She often collects the eggs to sell in town. We're very poor."
The little girl's eyes sparkled like jewels as she looked at the silent Larry, biting her rosy lips. "You should find another girl," she said. "You're really good-looking, unlike my dad and brothers; their faces are all hairy and ugly. That man is terrible; once he gets attached to you, you can't shake him off."
As she spoke, tears began to flow. "When I was little, my mother secretly took me and my siblings away, planning to escape this home. But my father found out and chased us down. My mother and two brothers were beaten badly, and then we were locked in the pigpen for three days without food."
Her brothers left when they grew up and never returned, while her sister had come back a few times secretly, giving their mother some money and buying me food and new clothes. But later, my father took all the money my sister gave to buy alcohol.
My mother was beaten by my father many times, but eventually accepted her fate, just getting by in the village. She planted a lot of potatoes and brewed alcohol for my father to drink; brewing at home doesn't cost anything, and she could save a bit too. Later, my father got into trouble playing cards, and then...
The little girl lay on the table, sobbing quietly. Three men sitting not far from them nodded at Larry before leaving the fast-food restaurant. Larry comforted Natasha, and after they finished eating, he took her to the town's only old cinema to watch a movie.
Meanwhile, Valery arrived at Natasha's village with his eldest son and son-in-law. After parking the car, they walked into the somewhat dilapidated yard and knocked on the door. "Does Peter live here?"
An elderly woman opened the door, looking somewhat fearful at the sight of the three burly men. "Peter is out playing cards; is he in debt to you?"
Valery carefully examined the woman before him. From her general outline, it was clear that she had been beautiful in her youth; however, time and hardship had aged her more than usual. Her clothes were also very worn.
Valery nodded and stepped inside. The three men sat down on a creaky old sofa while the woman brought over three cups of hot water. Then she stood aside like a guest, looking somewhat awkwardly at Valery. "How much does Peter owe you? We have two large pigs ready for sale; if you don’t mind, you can take them as payment."
"Please sit; we’re not here to collect a debt."
Valery stood up and took the woman's cracked hand, pressing her down onto the sofa before pulling up a chair for himself. "I’m Larry’s father. My son is dating your daughter Natasha; I came to see what your family is like."
"Sorry for making you come here."
The woman bitterly pressed her lips together; her nose tinged with sadness as tears welled in her eyes. She grasped Valery's large hand tightly, her eyes filled with pleading. "If possible, let Larry take Natasha away; I can see that your living conditions are much better than ours. Natasha is honest; she won’t be a burden to you."
Valery shook his head firmly. "That’s not possible!"
The woman slowly released her grip on Valery's hand and sat silently on the sofa wiping away her tears. Valery pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "What time will Peter be back?"
"I'm not sure; it depends on how much money he has left."
Just then, the door swung open with a loud voice following behind: "Tamishova! Do you have any money left? Hurry up! We almost broke even just now!"
A man in his fifties walked into the living room and frowned upon seeing Valery and his companions. "Who are you?"
"Valery, it's a pleasure to meet you," said Peter with a hearty laugh.
The man glanced at Valery's attire and then at the luxury car parked outside, a sly smile creeping across his face. "Are you here to help Larry propose?"
Valery offered him a cigarette. "Something like that. Since it's still early, we're planning to have dinner at one of the town's restaurants."
"Well, that sounds great!" Peter replied with enthusiasm.
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