Chapter 5

  “Hey, look—we’re here at last!” Christin exclaimed excitedly as his aunt’s house came into view.

  Andrei smiled, finally relieved to take a break after the fifty-minute drive. Christin had prepared chocolate fudge for them, knowing Alisa loved it just as much as he did. They quickly got out of the car and rang the doorbell.

  Mariya, 26, the second daughter, opened the door with a bright smile. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she pulled Christin into a tight hug. She was a lawyer by profession and adored Christin a lot.

  Christin softly kissed her forehead.

  A familiar figure appeared from behind her—a short, fragile frame with greying hair tied into a bun, eyes worn from years of quiet endurance. More wrinkles now lined her face.

  Christin reached out and gently embraced her.

  “Aunt… I missed you,” he whispered.

  Polina smiled tenderly and patted his back. “Finally, our little baby bear is here,” she said affectionately.

  Christin laughed, “How am I still little when I’m over six feet?”

  He looked exactly like his father, Lev— the face and the black hair, paired with his mother’s gentle smile and beautiful blue eyes.

  “Am I getting a hug too, Aunt Polina?” came a familiar voice she hadn’t heard in a while.

  “Andrei!” she exclaimed joyfully. “My son! How have you been? How are your parents?” She wrapped him in a warm hug, questions tumbling out all at once, “You’ve grown so much!”

  “Still shorter than me, Aunt,” Christin teased.

  “Yes, I’m doing well,” Andrei said with a chuckle. “My family is fine too. They’ve gone back to India for a visit—I’ll bring them here when they return.” He glanced at Christin. “And yes, I’m shorter—but I’m way smarter than you.”

  “Okay, let’s head inside,” Mariya said, gesturing everyone in.

  As soon as they entered, Andrei dropped onto the couch with exaggerated relief.

  “So,” he asked mischievously, “where’s the troublemaker?”

  “Alisa is on her way,” Mariya replied, glancing at the wall clock.

  “No,” Andrei said, shaking his head. “The older one.”

  Laughter erupted.

  “Sofiya is with Alisa,” Eva called from the stairwell. Eva, two years older than Christin- an admirable Security Officer- hurried downstairs, as soon as she heard them talking.

  Soon, they were all seated together—laughing, reminiscing, and reliving old memories that felt both distant and comforting.

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  Ding, dong!

  The doorbell rang again.

  This time, Christin opened the door—and surprised the two women standing outside.

  “Christin!” they screamed in unison, their giggles echoing all the way into the living room.

  They hurried inside, closing the door behind them, hands full of treats they had brought along.

  Sofiya glanced into the living room and spotted Andrei.

  “What is this jerk doing here?” she scoffed playfully. “You always blame work and never come to see us, you little brat. Did you finally find the time?”

  Everyone burst into laughter.

  “Christin, I want you to try this new shirt, I am working on. It has lace work on the shoulders and a frilled collar”, Alisa grabbed Christin. Alisa, who was the same age as Christin, was an aspiring Fashion Designer.

  “So,” one of them asked, smiling, “You said you had something important to tell us.”

  Reality settled over him, his expression suddenly serious.

  “Everyone,” he began, “I’ve accepted a role in a movie. It’s a romantic action film.”

  He paused, watching their reactions.

  Some glanced at Andrei, silently questioning whether this was a joke. Andrei’s solemn expression quickly confirmed that it wasn’t.

  “Before you ask anything, please let me finish,” Christin said gently, noticing the worry in Sofiya’s eyes.

  “I was offered a main lead role—so I’ll be one of the protagonists.” He took a breath. “I know you’re wondering how I plan to do this.”

  There was a momentary silence.

  “I want to recover from my phobia,” he continued. “And I’m taking this movie as an opportunity.”

  He paused again, gathering his courage.

  “I want to live a normal life,” he said softly. “Not one filled with fear—but one where I can make friends, go out with you, and enjoy life.”

  Then he turned toward his aunt.

  “And I want to find someone I can rely on—for strength, for love, for sorrow. Someone I can spend the rest of my life with.”

  His voice grew heavier.

  “I won’t be able to do any of this if I can’t stand next to someone and hold their hand,” he said quietly. “You all know what I’ve been through.”

  He swallowed.

  “I’ve been to heaven and to hell during the past few years,” he said, his voice trembling. “And you helped me endure it all. So, I’m asking you now—please support me again, just like you always have.”

  He stopped speaking and a knot formed in his chest.

  Polina stood up immediately and pulled him into a tight embrace.

  “We will always be with you, my dear,” she cried. “You never needed to ask.”

  Others followed, tears streaming down their faces as they wrapped their arms around him.

  Sofiya looked over her shoulder and noticed Andrei still standing a little apart.

  She smiled softly and reached out her hand.

  “What are you waiting for?” she said warmly. “You’re family too. Come here.”

  Andrei blinked, a small smile broke across his face. He stepped forward and joined the embrace, resting a hand on Christin’s back.

  That evening ended with a hearty meal—and Christin surrounded by warmth, love, and the quiet certainty that he was never alone.

  After returning home, Christin made sure to call his doctor, Dr. Li, to renew his medication prescriptions—and he shared the news with him as well.

  Once that was taken care of, Christin sat down at his desk, grabbed a pen and a sheet of paper, and stared at the blank page for a long moment, unsure of how to begin.

  His eyes drifted to the wishing jar.

  He took a deep breath and started to write.

  Dear Papa,

  I hope you are doing well. A lot has happened this week.

  I was approached by a famous director, and soon, I will be acting in his upcoming movie.

  I know you would worry about me, no matter how many times I tell you I’m fine. I’m twenty now, and I am doing much better than before.

  Papa, I miss you.

  It’s only because you’re so good at your job that they keep you away from me. My wishing jar keeps on filling up Papa. It’s been thirteen years since I last saw you. I hope you would be proud of me when you see me, and I hope it’s soon.

  When you return, I’ll be a strong man, just like you.

  With love,

  Christin

  His hands trembled as he finished the letter, eyes drenched with tears. He carefully placed the letter in an envelope, ready to be sent the next day through 'Pochta Rossii'— The Russian Post. He glanced toward the wall, where a picture of his parents hung quietly.

  “I hope you’re proud of me too,” he whispered.