11/06/2025
A young orderly was sent to play the role of a dying grandmother’s grandson. He saw a photo of his mother among her pictures. Dima had dreamed of becoming a doctor for as long as he could remember. But life seemed to deliberately put obstacles in his way. First, his father died unexpectedly — a loss that knocked the solid ground out from under his feet. Then his mother fell ill: nerves and constant work on two fronts took their toll. Naturally, he failed the entrance exams for medical school. And now, for the second year, he worked as an orderly in the regional hospital, still hoping to one day wear the white coat. The day began as usual — with cleaning, transporting patients, and endless running through the corridors. But after lunch, he was unexpectedly asked to see the head of the therapeutic department — Andrey Pavlovich. “Dima, there is a delicate matter,” the man began without unnecessary words, looking intently at the young man. “We have a woman here, Lidiya Semyonovna. She is very ill. She has a grandson, also named Dima — your namesake. But… he hasn’t seen her in a long time, and she would so much like, before leaving, to at least see him once. We thought… maybe you would agree to play his role? At least for her peace of mind.” Dima froze. A deception? And not just a deception, but a real masquerade? “Andrey Pavlovich, I’m not sure… It’s unfair,” he muttered. “Sometimes deception can be kind,” the head gently replied. “Think about it. For her, it will be the last comfort. And you will just help a person to leave peacefully.” Dima hesitated. His conscience whispered that this was wrong. But the image of a lonely old woman waiting for her beloved grandson would not let him go. In the end, he nodded. The nurses quickly gathered information about the real Dima — what hobbies he had in childhood, where he studied, what words he liked to repeat. A strange play began for the sole audience member. In the evening, exhausted from the conversation with the head, Dima went to the store — to buy bread and milk for his mother. She still needed help. On the way home, he unexpectedly ran into Marina — a girl from the neighboring building who had long caught his eye. Light, cheerful, with a smile that could melt even the grayest mood. “Hi, Dim! Where have you disappeared to?” she smiled. The conversation started easily — about trivial things, about a movie currently showing in the cinema. Unexpectedly for himself, Dima suggested going together. Marina, to his surprise and joy, agreed: “Saturday — perfect!” On the way home, he smiled. The very thought of a date with Marina made the day brighter. Maybe a new chapter in life was really beginning? Maybe he too would find his own true happiness? This thought gave hope, helped him believe that everything was still possible. The next day, after finishing his shift and changing into civilian clothes, Dima went to Lidiya Semyonovna’s ward. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might leap out of his chest. He was afraid they would see through him immediately. But the woman, small, emaciated, but with lively eyes, looked at him with a long gaze and smiled faintly: “Dimochka… you came, dear…” Dima felt relief — she believed him. He sat down next to her, and their first conversation flowed naturally. He did not expect to feel not like an actor, but almost for real. Lidiya Semyonovna spoke about life, the past, death — calmly, without fear. Every day he came to her more often. He brought water, adjusted her pillow, just sat nearby. One day she asked... Continued in the comments
