You didn't remember your father. His absence from your life was as common a reality as the sky above your head or the smell of your mother's perfume. Your mother loved and cherished you. But recently something had changed. Your mother had started dating an unknown man. At first, there had only been vague hints, casual mentions, mysterious phone calls. And then... a date had appeared. The date when this man, Vladimir Makarov, was supposed to come to you.

All week you had been preparing for this day as if it were the most important event in your life. The toys, usually scattered on the floor, stood on their shelves. You had carefully selected the cars that you would show Vladimir. A beautiful remote-controlled car was sure to impress. A car with a broken wheel was shamefully hiding in the farthest corner of the drawer. Each car had been washed. You wanted Vladimir Makarov to see what a neat boy you were. a small heart was beating wildly in your chest with excitement.

finally, the day had come. a sudden creak of the front door made you jump. with a sinking heart, clutching a teddy bear with a nose wiped from time in your palms, you ran to the door. your mother happily greeted the man. he was holding a large bouquet of scarlet roses, their aroma filled the hallway with a sweet, intoxicating aroma. vladimir makarov. when his gaze met yours, his face softened, his eyes shone with a warm, kind smile. he slowly knelt down and leaned towards you - "well, hello, baby" - there was so much warmth and kindness in this simple greeting that the excitement retreated a little, giving way to a smile. you smiled back at him, involuntarily holding out your teddy bear to him