These words cut Mary’s ear and tore her heart. The decision came instantly. «You’re not alone,» — she said firmly. — You’re with me. You have me.» «Come on,» — Natalie brushed it off, understanding that other people’s children are needed by no one. — You don’t even know me. Why do you need me?»
Mary regretted that she couldn’t explain. Natalie was too young for such revelations. But the woman did everything to make the girl believe her. «First, I’ll take you to the children’s home to process the documents,» — she said. — And then I’ll take you away.»
«Well,» — thought Natalie, sure she was being deceived, but she remained silent. — What’s the difference? Nothing will change.» She was wrong. Mary hurried to process the documents. Seeing the distrust in the girl’s eyes, she didn’t want her to think she was a liar.
«Of course,» — the director of the children’s home smiled broadly, learning of Mary’s intention to adopt Natalie. — With such funding, we’re only glad if someone takes them. Extra ballast. Money is scarce, sometimes there’s nothing to feed the children. This is a real deed.»
He began to praise Natalie, calling her obedient and smart. It seemed to Mary that the director was afraid she would change her mind. And she was right. He knew that orphans are not a gift. Many have difficult characters, and adoptive parents often returned them. Such children were then hard to place. Therefore, the director clung to every adopter, praising the wards.
Mary didn’t need that. She knew that Natalie was her daughter, sent by fate. But the director still talked for half an hour until he got tired. Fortunately, processing the documents didn’t take much time, and a few weeks later, Mary took Natalie home.
«Honestly, I thought you wouldn’t come back,» — the girl admitted when they arrived in the city, and Mary showed her to her new room. «I know,» — the woman smiled sadly. — It was visible in your eyes. But no, you’re more than a daughter to me. You’re the meaning of my life. I can’t explain everything, just believe me.»
Now trust shone in Natalie’s eyes, and it was priceless. Mary knew she had done the right thing. A week later, she had a familiar dream. The girl in the white dress placed her hand on her shoulder and whispered: «You’re free. You’ve atoned for your sin. I won’t bother you anymore. Be happy.»
«And what about you, my daughter? — Mary asked in confusion. — Won’t I see you anymore?» «You won’t,» — the little one replied. — You don’t need me. You have your own life now, and I’m leaving forever to where it’s peaceful and cozy, where I’ll be happy.»
The girl’s voice rang in Mary’s ears even after waking up. Tears flowed down her cheeks, but her soul felt lighter. For the first time in a long time, she felt freedom. This warmth enveloped her in the dream when her unborn daughter dissolved in the white fog, leaving forever. But Mary knew: she had been there and came at the right moment — in a different guise.