They say that love is blind, and it seems that I was a clear proof of that. When my husband, Alexei, quit his job saying he was sick, I believed him without question. I worked harder and gave him all my money for his treatment. But what I learnt later ruined everything.
When you love someone, you don’t expect them to lie. Especially about something as serious as health. But looking back, I should have seen the signs.
I missed everything until a stranger rolled down her car window and told me something I in no way expected.
As a mum and wife, I’ve always taken pride in my role. My days have been a storm of work, household chores and time with my family, but I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
I’m a project manager at a software company and I really enjoy my job. It gives me enough money to support our small family.
Our two sons, Igor and Dima, are my main sources of inspiration.
Igor, 12, has an inquisitive mind and a talent for science. He is always fiddling with gadgets or asking a million questions about how things work. Dima, 10, is our little athlete. He’s always chasing a ball around the yard or riding his bike around the neighbourhood.
And here is Alexei, my husband, with whom we have lived for 15 years.
Alexei has always been my rock. He was the calm in my chaos, that steady presence that kept our family afloat.
He worked as an operations manager for a logistics company, and although it was a time-consuming job, it provided for us.
There were times when I would look at him at dinner, watch him laughing with the kids or telling stories about his day, and think how lucky I was.
Life was good.
But everything changed one day when Alexei came home with a folder in his hands, looking like he’d seen a ghost.
Hi, you’re home early,’ I said, looking up from my laptop. But as soon as I saw his expression, I knew something was wrong.
His face was pale, his lips tightly pressed together as he placed the folder on the desk.
Alexei, what’s wrong? – I stood up and walked over to him, my heart pounding in my chest. – Is everything okay?
He looked at me, and there was something in his eyes that I couldn’t understand.
Was it fear? Regret? I still didn’t understand.
Lena,’ he began, his voice trembling, ’I have muscular dystrophy.
I froze. – What?
He sat down heavily, covering his face with his hands.
‘I haven’t felt well for months. I’ve been to the doctor, had tests… That explains why I’m so tired.
I didn’t know what to say.
I won’t be able to work anymore,’ he continued. – I need expensive treatment, but this is my only chance.
For a moment I couldn’t breathe. Muscular dystrophy. The words echoed in my head, causing an uncomfortable feeling in my stomach.
I sat down across from him, holding out my hand for the folder.
Inside were test results, doctor’s notes, and medical documents. Everything looked serious.
I’m sorry,’ he whispered. – I didn’t want to tell you this, but… I need to start treatment. I think we’re going to have to cancel the trip with the kids. It’s hard for me to do this for them, but…
I reached out and took his hands. – Alexei, stop it. The kids will understand. We’ll figure it out. You’ll get the treatment you need.
Tears glistened in his eyes. – I hate that you have to go through all this.
I’m your wife,’ I said, squeezing his hand tightly. – We’ll get through this together.
But sitting there, looking at those papers, I felt a cold fear. How would we be able to afford this treatment?
Later that night, as we lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
We need more money,’ I whispered, staring at the ceiling.
Alexei turned to me. – Lena, I don’t want you to work yourself to exhaustion for me.
I can handle it,’ I replied, turning to him. There was determination in my eyes. – I’ll get a part-time job after my main job. We’ll cut costs. You’ll quit and focus on treatment.
His lips trembled. – Would you do that for me?
Of course I would.
The next day I went to a local restaurant and got a job washing dishes in the evenings. After working at the software company, I would go straight there.
It was exhausting, but I didn’t care.
I gave almost all the money I earned to Alexei for his treatment. And I saw him change. He became happier and more relaxed.
Seeing it gave me the strength to keep going, even when I felt like I was about to collapse from exhaustion.
Routine became second nature. Working all day, doing the dishes in the evenings and falling into bed tired.
I was moving on empty, but every time I saw Alexei smile or heard him say, ‘Thank you for everything, Lena,’ it was all worth it.
He continued to go to his weekday treatments while I was at work.
‘It’s better if I go alone,’ he used to say. – I don’t want you to miss work because of this.
I didn’t ask questions. I trusted him.
But one night, something strange happened.