I decided to support my husband in a special way. Every week, he visited his parents’ house…

Igor nodded. He knew she was right. I’m ready for anything, he said.

As long as you’re by my side, Anna smiled. Then let’s go, she said, to the village. Igor looked at her surprised.

To Elena and Sasha, he asked. Yes, Anna replied. I want to meet them.

Igor was silent for a moment. Then he nodded. All right, he said.

Let’s go. The next morning, Anna and Igor drove to the village. Anna had a bag of homemade pastries in the trunk, prepared specially for Elena and Sasha.

She wanted to show them she held no grudge, that she was ready to accept them into her life. As they approached Elena’s house, Anna felt nervous. She didn’t know how she’d be received or what to say.

Elena came out of the house and smiled at Anna. I knew you’d come, she said. Sasha ran out and hid behind Elena, peering at Anna curiously.

This is Anna, Elena said to Sasha. She’s Igor’s wife. Sasha peeked out from behind Elena and looked at Anna.

Then he smiled. Hi, he said. Anna smiled back.

Hi, Sasha, she said. I brought you a treat. She opened the trunk, took out the bag of pastries, and handed it to Elena.

This is for you, she said. I hope you like it. Elena took the bag and thanked her.

Come inside, she said. I’ll put the kettle on. Anna and Igor entered the house.

Sasha followed. They sat at the table drinking tea and talking about everything and nothing, weather, children, life. Anna felt strange.

On one hand, she was uneasy and uncomfortable. On the other, she felt a sense of relief. She felt she was making the right choice.