21/07/2025
Her husband took her to a cabin to die — but what she found there was unexpected…
Larisa, just a bit more... Come on, darling, you can do it.
She could barely move her legs. Each step cost her enormous effort, as if weights were tied to her feet.
I want a shower... Larisa whispered, feeling her strength finally giving out. Gleb, I can't anymore. Really, I can't.
Her husband looked at her with feigned concern, but there was a strange coldness in his eyes. How had she never noticed that icy glint before?
You've got this, love. Look, right there — our destination: the little house.
Larisa followed his gaze. In front of them stood a structure that looked like a mix between an old barn and a fairytale cabin on chicken legs.
Are you... really sure the healer lives here? Her voice revealed exhaustion and fear.
Of course, darling. Just a bit further.
Larisa climbed onto the crooked porch almost mechanically, like sleepwalking. Gleb laid her down on a wooden bench and suddenly smiled with satisfaction. That smile pierced her heart.
Now you can rest... for a long time.
She looked around the gloomy room — cobwebs, dust, dampness. She turned to her husband, frightened.
Gleb... No one lives here.
That's right, he laughed. No one's lived here in at least twenty years. And nobody's come in a long time. If you're lucky, you'll die naturally. If not... he paused, wild animals will find you.
Gleb! What are you saying?! Wake up.
He straightened, and the mask of the loving husband vanished without a trace.
I asked you to put the business in my name. But you were stubborn as a mule, he spat. Do you know what it cost me to endure you? To sleep with you? You disgust me.
But not my money? Larisa whispered.
That's my money, he growled. It's mine — just need to finish the paperwork. Everyone knows how obsessed you are with those silly beliefs. I tell people you went crazy, ran off chasing some healer in the countryside. I tried convincing you, but... he shrugged theatrically, you're stubborn. Like my plan? I don't even need to buy a coffin.
His laughter sounded like a dog’s bark. Larisa shut her eyes. This was a nightmare — just a nightmare...
But the slam of the door was far too real.
She tried to stand — she had to escape, this had to be a joke — but her body wouldn't respond. Lately she tired easily, like someone had been draining the life from her.
Now I know who... passed through her mind.
Her strength was gone. Larisa gave in and slipped into a restless sleep.
They married five years ago. Gleb had appeared out of nowhere — no money, but with a charm that made her lose her head. Tired of loneliness and work, Larisa fell madly in love.
But people warned her... They said he only wanted her money, that he spent her funds on other women. She learned the truth a year ago. After that, her health issues began — her heart, her stomach, all at once. The doctors blamed stress.
She tried not to worry. She really tried. But how can you not worry when you love someone who's betrayed you?
Now she was a wealthy, successful woman — but so sick she couldn’t get out of this decaying cabin in the woods. Her death would remain a secret.
Half-asleep, Larisa heard a whisper. Someone was nearby. Her heart froze — was it animals?
Don't be afraid.
She jolted.
A child!? Where did you come from?
A girl, around seven or eight years old, sat nearby. She crouched next to Larisa.
I was already here. When he brought you, I hid.
Larisa sat up.
You're alive? How did you get here?
I come alone. When I argue with Dad, I hide here. Let him worry.
Does he hurt you?
No! He just makes me help him. But I don't want to. Why do kids have to work? If I disobey, he makes me wash dishes. A mountain of them! She stretched out her hands dramatically.
Larisa smiled faintly.
Maybe he's just tired. Wants to give you tasks you can handle. I'd do anything for my dad if he were still alive.
Your dad died?
Yes, a long time ago.
Everyone dies, the girl declared with childlike wisdom.
So you're saying your dad will die too? Larisa asked gently.
People die when they get old. That's life.
The girl thought for a moment.
My mom was sick... She went with the angels. I cry a lot because I miss her. I'll help Dad so he doesn't die! She looked at Larisa. Were you brought here to die too?
Seems like it...
Why not a hospital?
A tear rolled down Larisa's cheek.
He chose this... So they wouldn't heal me.
Wretched man, the girl exclaimed angrily. I'll run to Dad! Do you know who he is? He heals everyone in the village! Except Mom... he couldn't... Her voice shook.
What do you mean?
The girl moved toward the door, then turned and whispered:
My dad is a wizard.
Larisa smiled involuntarily.
Sweetheart, that doesn't exist...
It does! Your husband said you believe in it. Well, don't be sad — I'll be back soon!
What's your name?
Dasha!
Dasha, aren't you afraid of being here? What if animals come?
What animals? the girl scoffed. No one comes to this forest — just hedgehogs!
And with those words, she walked out the door like she had wings on her shoulders.
Trusting a child... that's madness, Larisa thought, closing her eyes. She'll run through the forest, find a squirrel or that hedgehog — and forget all about me...
She was drifting off when a whisper woke her...
To be continued in the comments...
