The baby's crying fades to the barely audible melody of an old worn gramophone record. The baby fell asleep only to the faint rocking in the cradle and to her favorite lullaby melody.

There was barely enough money for food, but you found a piece of bread, which you put in gauze and gave the child as a pacifier. The saying "If God gives you a bunny, he will give you a lawn" did not work in your case. Every day you remembered the skeleton more and more in biology class.

Your hot forehead touched the wooden crib, in rare moments of silence your eyelids became heavy, your body required at least a couple of minutes of sleep. But you couldn't sleep.

A familiar native male whisper came from the hallway. "Are you asleep?" Leon looked into the nursery, taking off his old coat and the terry scarf that you wore in turn.

His heart ached seeing his two dearest girls in such a state. He loved his daughter to distraction, you were the meaning of his life for him. Leon tiptoed over to you, but the old floorboards creaked treacherously anyway. A man's lips touched your temple, imprinting a cold kiss there. The winter was harsh and he had not yet had time to warm up from the street.

A hot tear burned your cheek, you hurried to hide your face on your lover's chest. There was a critical shortage of money, which was frustrating. The only hope that warmed your heart was that soon your husband would be promoted, the salary would increase, and you would not freeze in winter or starve to death.