So, Are You Going to Send Me Back to the Children’s Home?

Will you take me back to the orphanage?
Will you return me to the orphanage? Auntie said you were in a hurry, grabbed me because you didnt know a baby was on the way. Im not yours
Marina stood by the stove, flipping pancakes. Her husband would soon be home from work, and the whole family would sit down for dinner.
Why was Slávko so quiet in his room today? Usually, when Marina cooked his favorite pancakes, the little boy would whirl around, look into her eyes and ask,
Mom, can I have another pancake?
Shed give him one; hed look as if hed had enough, yet hed soon come back, stretching each syllable with evident delight, and say,
Mooma, could I have another?
Marina realized Slávko was already full; he just loved to repeat that warm, wonderful wordmommy. Earlier she would set the pan aside, lift her fiveyearold son into her armshe wasnt heavy yetand say,
Come on, little one, shall we go greet dad after work?
And Slávko would cheerfully answer,
Yes, Mom, lets go meet dad! his eyes sparkling with excitement. He had never known parents before, and now he finally did.
Now Slávko had his own room, his own bed, and a sports wall with swingshis dad had bought that for him. He also owned toy cars, a robot, a construction set, and many other toys, all his alone. In the evenings, Mom would read to him, pat his head, and tell him she loved him. Slávko was almost saturated with that love and was beginning to forget the past.
Marina tried to call her son, but the baby suddenly nudged her belly.
She placed a hand on the child, and the little girl pushed again.
Lord, Marina prays daily for this unexpected gift, hoping everything will be fine for them. They had already chosen a name for the girl; Mykola suggested Katrúsa. The husbands grandmother was named Kateryna.
People had told Marina she could never have her own children, so she and Mykola took Slávko to the orphanage, and a year laternow a daughter was due!
Lost in thought, Marina almost forgot to flip a pancake. She called out,
Slávko, my boy, why are you so quiet today?
But there was only silence. Did he not hear?
She turned off the stove and walked to the childrens room.
Even with the lights off, the room was darkwhere could Slávko be?
A noise came from inside. Marina switched the light on and saw Slávko sitting on the sofa in a jacket and a cap, a backpack full of his favorite toy cars clutched in his hands.
What are you doing in the dark? Marina asked, laughing. Come on, get up and get dressed. Planning a trip? Lets eat your beloved pancakes with sour cream and condensed milk. Come on, Slávko, whats with you?
Slávko didnt smile; he stared at a point with a solemn, adultlike gaze, then suddenly asked,
Can I take these toys with me? I dont need the cars?
What are you saying, Slávko? Whats wrong, son? Where are you going? Marinas words fell flat. Was she a bad mother? Did Slávko not feel her love? Maybe he was jealous of the sister about to be born? It was odd, because just yesterday he had been delighted.
Will you return me to the orphanage? Auntie said you rushed, took me because you didnt know a child would be born. Im not yours
Slávkos eyes were watery; he barely held himself together, glancing aside.
Slávko, what are you talking about? Which aunt? Marina remembered meeting a neighbor a few days earlier. She began to say, thanking God that their child would be born soon, then pursed her lips and looked at Slávko. You rushed, dear Marina, you rushed!
Marina was convinced the little boy didnt yet understand. She quickly said goodbye to the tactless neighbor, avoiding an argument with Slávko. Yet Slávko seemed to grasp everything.
He thought perhaps he was a stranger, alone.
Marina hugged the boy tightly; at first he pushed her away, then collapsed in her arms and began to cry.
Son, you didnt get it. That aunt knows nothing. Your father and I love you so much, and well never give you away!
She removed his cap and jacket, and they sat together, hugging, silently on the sofa for a long time.
When Katrúsa was born, Slávko and his dad stayed home alone for a while, then they went to see Mom and the baby.
Slávko worried he might not be liked by his sister.
But when he saw how tiny she was, he smiled indulgently. Mom, how can such a tiny girl be without an older brother? Ill teach her to play with the cars; well have fun together!
Now Slávko never leaves his sisters side, waiting for her to grow, and the parents will move Katrúsa into his room.
For now, he remains Moms chief helper.
That evening Mom called him, Son, Slávko, Ive gathered Katrúsa; lets hurry to meet dad after work.
Slávko, already dressed, stood ready in the hallway, Mom, Ill hold the door, come out with the cradle!
They took the elevator down, stepped out, and the same woman entered the hallway.
Slávko squeezed Marinas hand tighter, as if gathering courage.
Son, youre a man now, help the aunt, call the elevator; her bags are heavy.
Okay, Mom! Slávko proudly looked at the woman with the bags, summoned the elevator, and rushed after his mother.
Tomorrow is the weekend, and the whole family will go to the park. Its a shame Katrúsa is still tiny, but shell soon grow, and theyll ride the attractions together. As the older brother, Slávko will hold his sister tightly if she gets scared. After all, they are brother and sister forever!
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