After her husband’s death, a 20-year-old woman and her 3-month-old son ended up on the street…

I didn’t want to burden you with my stories. You had enough of your own worries. And now you will tell me? Mindy asked, pulling her legs up on the couch and settling comfortably next to him.

Andrew smiled and began talking about his childhood in a small town, about his teacher parents, about how he dreamed of becoming a cosmonaut but eventually chose law. About his first love, which ended in a breakup because the girl went abroad to study and didn’t want a long-distance relationship. Mindy listened and felt like she was getting to know a completely different person, not just a reliable friend and helper, as Andrew had been all this time, but a living, real man with his own dreams, fears and hopes.

What do you dream of now? She asked when he finished his story. Andrew paused, looking at the twinkling lights on the tree. Probably simple things.

A home where someone is waiting for you, a family, waking up in the morning feeling needed. He turned to Mindy and met her gaze. And what do you dream of? I want Alex to grow up happy, without worries, she answered, to know what love and care are.

To never feel lonely. And for yourself? Andrew asked softly. Do you have a dream for yourself? Mindy thought for a moment.

The past year, she had lived only for her son and the work at the foundation, barely thinking about her own desires. Probably, I want simple happiness too, she finally said. To be needed, to love and be loved.

They sat so close that Mindy felt the warmth of his body. In the flickering light of the garlands, Andrew’s face seemed especially attractive, strong but kind, with crow’s feet around his eyes that appeared when he smiled. Mindy, he said quietly, looking into her eyes.

I know John will always hold a special place in your heart and I don’t want you ever to forget him, but I hope there’s room for me there too. She didn’t look away. Deep down, she knew this moment was inevitable.

And now that it had come, she felt not fear or guilt, but a strange calm. I can’t promise it will be easy, she said honestly. I have a little child, a complicated past and I’ve only recently started really living again.

But I want to try. Andrew gently took her hand in his. We’re in no rush, he said.

We have time to get to know each other better, to get used to new roles. The important thing is that we both want this. Their first kiss was gentle and cautious, as if they were both afraid to break the fragile harmony of the moment.

Mindy felt something inside her, frozen and clenched into a knot after John’s death began to thaw under the warmth of new hopes. They welcomed the new year already as a couple. Andrew stayed for the celebration and together with John’s parents, Rachel and Clark, they marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Alex, not understanding the meaning of the holiday but feeling the general joy, clapped his hands happily when fireworks blossomed outside the window at midnight. Dolores, noticing the changed relationship between Mindy and Andrew, approached her daughter-in-law when she was alone in the kitchen. He’s a good man, she said quietly.

John would be glad you found someone who cares for you and Alex. Do you really think so? Mindy asked, surprised. Of course, Dolores said firmly.

My son wanted more than anything for you to be happy. He wouldn’t want you to mourn him your whole life. These words, spoken by the woman who once caused her so much pain, strangely gave Mindy a sense of freedom…