«I vow not to let them go to waste!» Mark declared, eager to win her favor.
Throughout the tea party, he racked his brain for a way to be alone with Bertha. «Should I ask her for a walk? But will she agree?» These thoughts consumed him, and he sensed that now was the opportune moment.
Maretsky hesitated a little, «Um, we're supposed to get to know each other.»
«We?!»
Is she going to revert to her previous behavior?
«Alright, me. But will you give a poor cadet a chance?» The hope in his voice was hard to say no to.
«Alright, what do you suggest?»
«Get ready. I've got something to show you.»
When they stepped outside, the sun was shining and not a trace of rain lingered in the sky. Grateful for the pleasant weather and Bertha's agreeability, Mark inquired, «Have you been to the Aeromuseum?»
«You mean the one that replaced the Suvorov Museum? No.»
«That's alright. I'll be your tour guide.»
He adopted the most suitable tactic: women admire men who are passionate about their work. And if they can also articulate it in a captivating manner… Well, as the famous heartbreaker Valeriy used to say, «girls fall in love not only with their ears, of course, but with them too.» He certainly knew a thing or two about such matters!
In the Aeromuseum, Mark showcased an unexpected side to his companion: intelligent, well-read, and courteous. This provincial lad was making quite an impression. Few St. Petersburg gentlemen could rival him, and their chances were dwindling rapidly. Bertha regarded Mark with a newfound warmth and interest…
As he bid farewell to the girl and walked along Third Sovetskaya Street, Mark noticed something intriguing:
«I would change the name of your street to ours,» he remarked.
«Why is that?» inquired Bertha.
«Your surroundings fit me better,» he explained.
«Didn't you like it here?» she asked.
«Oh, I absolutely loved it. It's so cozy. My sister in Moscow is trying to create a similar ambiance, but…»
Mark paused, searching for the right words to convey his feelings.
Bertha understood and gently touched his arm, saying, «Ambiance is important. When I have my own family, I want to create a warm and inviting space for everyone. A big table to gather the whole family. But, of course, ambiance isn't the most crucial aspect. It's all about the relationships, isn't it?»
Her seriousness melted into a smile, and she added playfully, «Though a big round table is a must!»
«I guarantee you a table!» Mark replied.
«Did I say I would sit at that table with you?!» she teased.
Without engaging in an argument, Mark simply responded, «We'll see.»
They were nearing Bertha's house.
«But that doesn't mean we can't go to the movies, right?» he inquired.
«We'll see,» she playfully echoed, and with a laugh, she disappeared into the entrance.
As Mark made his way back to the barracks, he was filled with a newfound sense of confidence. He was certain there would be movies, walks, and even a wedding in their future.
Soon, it became evident that they were a perfect match for each other. Bertha, daring and strong-willed, proved to be surprisingly tender, accommodating, and understanding – a true ideal life companion for a military man. Their affection for each other was tender and attentive, and Mark quickly integrated himself into the family circle, leaving no doubt that they would soon marry.
A year later, Mark Maretsky, a courageous graduate of the Leningrad Military-Technical School of the Red Army Air Force, fulfilled his promise: he legally wedded Bertha Galper. The occasion was bittersweet, as Mark was assigned to the Nizhny Novgorod region, bidding farewell to the beloved and numerous family.
Filled with hope and enthusiasm, the young couple embraced their new journey – a new city, engaging work, and an independent life awaited them.
Chapter 3: Mastering Spaces
Leonid graduated from the institute precisely during the «Great Break,» a period of extensive transformations in the country. The first five-year plan for national economic development was adopted, setting the course for rapid industrialization, which necessitated the accelerated development of railroads. The People's Commissariat of Communication Routes of the Soviet Union was actively engaged in this endeavor, particularly valuing experienced specialists. Among them was Engineer Mirachevsky whose profound knowledge of railroads dated back to his childhood. His background as a skilled machinist, extensive practical training, outstanding natural aptitude, and organizational skills made him a highly esteemed employee. Excellently passing his exams and brilliantly defending his master's thesis paved the way for a promising professional career.
Olga was struggling in vain to feed Irina, who was being stubborn and refusing to eat. Frustrated, the mother raised her voice at the resistant little girl, but just then, the door swung open – Leonid, as always, arrived just in the nick of time, bearing a cake and sweets, and entered the scene of resistance.
«What's all the noise? No quarreling, girls!» he chimed in, immediately sweeping up his beloved daughter in his arms as tears began to form in her eyes.
Olga breathed a sigh of relief; her husband had a special way of handling their daughter – with him, her capriciousness vanished in an instant.
«So, how did the defense go?» That was the question of the day. Perhaps, that was why she had been so nervous while awaiting his return; she worried about how it all went, and the baby, of course, sensed her mother's emotions and reacted in her own way.
«Take a wild guess how it turned out?» Leonid playfully teased, as was his boyish tendency to pose riddles.
«Judging by the cake, Id say congratulations are in order,» Olga replied, always amused by his playful nature (he was such a child sometimes!).
«Yes, but on what?»
«Is it related to the defense?» She played along, entering his game.
«Aim higher!»
«With an outstanding defense?» Her laughter couldn't be contained now; he looked like a mischievous little boy, only grown up, with a little minx in his arms, trying to pull off his glasses.
«Olga, they're keeping me in the department!»
«I always knew my husband was a genius!» It was time for a loving embrace.
Later, Olga inquired, «Did even Professor Nedorozhny back down? You know he's the only teacher who could seriously complicate the defense.»
«Well, you know, knowledge is light, and light always overcomes the darkness! Even the darkness of ignorance among certain false scientists,» he replied with a hint of rebellion.
«You're a rebel, Leonid! And a chatterbox. At least try not to speak out too much at the institute. You know what kind of people are there…»
And so, the Mirachevsky family celebrated a true festive evening. Leonid passionately recounted the defense details, and Olga radiated with happiness. The endless trips and her husband's perpetual absence in search of income would now come to an end, allowing them to live like proper human beings!
The beginning of their new life was marked by a well-deserved vacation. The three of them spent a short break in Chervona: Olga had yet to meet her granddaughter, and Leonid missed his mother and the old Shpirkanov house with its vast garden – the place that, in his childhood memories, seemed boundless.
After