Floriana was studying another case contemplating the meaning of human life behind every line she read lay someone's fate shattered hopes and Universal despair the young lawyer mentally asked herself for the eenth time why don't people appreciate what they have why does love fade so quickly and families fall apart there was no clear answer to these difficult questions a fact that upset her deeply floriana opened another Folder detailing yet another family's collapse she had barely skimmed the first paragraph when her office door swung open noisily Mr Campbell stood on the threshold floriana sprang up reflexively Mr
Campbell I haven't finished reviewing all the materials yet floriana why do you always jump up when I appear we're not in the Army I'm not against discipline but this is Excessive floriana knew from experience it was better not to argue with superiors she slowly lowered herself back into her chair Mr Campbell seemed pleased with her compliance that's better floriana you've been jumping up like a school girl it's not your first day here it's time to get used to our company's conditions they're quite mild creating a favorable environment for productive work at least I'm convinced of
this the chief's smile Gave floriana more confidence she smiled back yes the conditions here are very comfortable and I am used to them it's just that I jump up involuntarily it's become a reflex at University they drilled into us that rules of subordination are a mandatory in any structure and during our internships we were constantly on edge Mr Campbell lowered his heavy body into a vacant chair oh don't get me started on this subordination nonsense It was invented by bureaucrats they need to justify their salaries so they invent different rules of course I'm for discipline
but everything should be in moderation his rather lengthy monologue seemed to bore even himself and he exhaled noisily a moment later the man leaned closer to the miniature fan on floriana's desk it's sweltering today I can hardly breathe all right floriana let's talk business I have a task of a personal nature for you the thing is an Acquaintance of mine is going through a divorce it's a complicated situation and she needs the support of a good lawyer the topic is delicate because she's quite well known in business circles and doesn't want publicity about the divorce
proceedings her husband is a young over zealous scoundrel and his insolence knows no bounds not only did he ruin the life of a wonderful woman but he wants to take away part of her property he's flooded the poor woman with lawsuits and Used her money to hire a whole team of lawyers but she and I have decided on a different tactic and you're ideally suited to deliver the main blow floriana blurted out Mr Campbell but I'm still just the chief cast a thoughtful glance at his subordinate I know you're still learning and haven't handled any
difficult cases yet but you haven't lost a single trial and that's a critical indicator in our work in fact I'm confident you can handle this case as Well here's her file and here's my friend's phone number set up a meeting and start working on it the chief left carefully closing the door a whirlwind of emotions stirred in the young lawyer's soul on one hand she felt proud that Mr Campbell trusted her on the other she feared she might not live up to his expectations floriana Pono had been working at the private Law Firm for Less
Than 3 years but in that relatively Short time she'd seen it all on her very first day her boss hadn't bothered with standard questions he had merely glanced at her and decisively stated you'll be handling divorce cases of course back then floriana was taken aback but she gave a deep nod signaling her acceptance of the chief's command she expected further explanations but Mr Campbell just stared at her with a dissatisfied look if everything's clear why are we still standing here floriana Shifted uncertainly but I don't know what to do yet Mr Campbell flung his sharply
sharpened pencil spearing it into a pile of papers this dramatic gesture made a powerful impression on the recent law school graduate if you don't know yet then go study the Urgent cases we don't have time to waste when there's plenty of work to do we're swamped here so there's no time for pleasantries the company's reputation is at stake you Understand rookie floriana nodded again she had expected a very different encounter she was completely bewildered by the behavior of the man under whose authority she was to work in despair she wanted to cry and run away
from this office but Mr Campbell noting the girl's expressive face realized he had gone a bit too far in a more peaceful tone he said no tears here please this isn't the place for the faint-hearted you'll soon realize that yourself it's better to get Used to the peculiarities of the job from your very first day and I advise you to pay less attention to my moods Mr Campbell winked Inked at the new girl sometimes I can be worse than any fairy tale villain but I remain kind at heart very soon floriana realized that Mr Campbell
was indeed the kindest person he treated his subordinates in a fatherly way for which he was loved and greatly respected by the team and now after the boss had left floriana looked At her watch and realized that her lunch had already started the problem was that she had arranged to meet her fiance during that time she called him and with tenderness in her voice whispered David my boss held me back I completely forgot about you without waiting for words of reproach from her fiance she quickly added honey please don't be angry there was a hearty
laugh and then the voice that made the girl's heart race said Miss Pono you know how to sweet talk and Divert attention anyway I'm pleased to know that you still remember your fiance from time to time honey I'd still like to see you so I'm waiting for you in our usual spot at the park remember you only have 10 minutes to get ready try not to disappoint me this time floriana guessed that David was alluding to a recent incident that happened while meeting his parents David's parents had greeted their future daughter-in-law with joyful exclamations floriana
were so happy that Our son has finally decided to say goodbye to Bachelor Life his father said you're so pretty a worthy companion for our David his mother added floriana was a little embarrassed by the overt flattery but didn't show it she had no idea what else lay ahead of her when everyone sat down at the richly laid table the questions began in their unrestrained curiosity David's parents went so far as to ask about her father's earnings they were most interested in Property matters and when floriana told them the tragic story of her mother's death
they didn't even express basic sympathy David's father merely asked I suppose your mother left you a substantial inheritance this question anchored the girl and she replied rather rudely is money really the most important thing to you the tone of the future daughter-in-law displeased the man he responded with an obvious challenge it's easy for you to discuss The importance of money when you have an all power daddy behind you but our son has no such reliable support we're simple Village workers we value every hard-earned penny while your daddy's money seems to come easily for him floriana
couldn't help herself my dad stands at the operating table 24 hours a day to earn a decent salary but his main goal isn't money it's saving human lives by the way he also grew up in a village and then went to study What stopped you from doing the same David realized that the argument had gone too far but he didn't know how to diffuse the situation luckily his mother helped establish peace at the table by scolding the disputants what's the use of stirring up Trouble floriana Is Right not everything in the world is decided by
money there are more important things the meal continued peacefully but floriana was left with an unpleasant Feeling she refused to spend the night at their house citing urgent work however David didn't want to let her go where are you going at night stay and don't take offense at my father he's old school so he's used to thinking that way I'm not offended by your father what surprises me is that you didn't say a word in my and my father's defense David laughed hoarsely floriana you're the lawyer it's not for me to compete with you these
words caressing Her ear and heart relieved the girl's heart a little but she didn't change her mind getting behind the wheel of the car her father had given her for successfully graduating from law school she drove off to the city she had expected David to offer to escort her but he didn't he said goodbye half-heartedly and headed home the girl felt a little bitter but tried to console herself David hasn't seen his parents in a long Time so it's understandable that he wants to be with them longer besides he doesn't have to cater to my
every whim after all it's my own fault that the conversation didn't go well I could have kept quiet if only honoring his father after the unsuccessful first visit she accompanied David to his parents house several times they no longer bombarded her with questions but instead emphasized their joy that their son had chosen such a wonderful girl floriana Never lacked admirers from Early Childhood she was surrounded by male attention in kindergarten boys eagerly fulfilled the whims of the capricious little girl later when floriana was in first grade two young suitors even fought over her surprisingly the
teacher scolded her rather than the boys floriana I consider you the instigator of this fight if you've decided to be friends with someone choose one don't flirt with both at once The girl disagreed with the teacher with a Sly face and a touch of insolence she said what if I want to be friends with all the boys at once the teacher unable to answer the first grader's question became flustered and changed the subject later she expressed her concerns to the girl's father Dr Pono please don't misunderstand but your daughter is behaving inappropriately with boys the
man was so surprised he couldn't hold back his exclamation what do you Mean inappropriately how am I supposed to interpret that realizing her poor choice of words the teacher tried to salvage the situation I'm sorry I didn't express myself well you see your daughter is clearly a leader and all the boys are drawn to her Anthony Pono expressed surprise again I don't see anything wrong with that the teacher became even more confused indeed there's nothing wrong with your girl having leadership qualities but she Also has a striking appearance so our boys are eager to win
her favor the man laughed oh is that what you mean but it's a natural process think back to your childhood I personally tried to court all the girls while I was still in kindergarten in my opinion there's nothing wrong with such relationships But the teacher persisted I entirely agree with you friendship is beneficial in all its forms but it's impossible to be friends with everyone Simultaneously floriana first promised Victor that she would be his friend then she made the same promise to Paul as a result the boys fought and you think my daughter is to
blame for this of course your floriana provoked the boys to sort out their relationship with their fists first she turned one's head then the others please influence your daughter Mrs Morgan exclaimed but Mr Pono only grinned how can I influence her forbid her to socialize with her classmates do You think that's the right approach finding no understanding with the girl's father Mrs Morgan took offense at him but began to take out her displeasure on the little girl it escalated to the point where in a fit of uncontrollable anger the teacher humiliated Florence in front of
the entire class Pono nothing good will come of upstarts like you you'll grow up and end up in the gutter the first grade girls didn't understand the true meaning of this expression but They all giggled pointing their fingers at floriana Paul whom she had rejected tried to the hardest floriana ran out of the classroom and hid under the stairs so no one could see her crying when Dr Pono came to school to pick up his little daughter Mrs Morgan was surprised isn't floriana at home if she were at home I wouldn't have come for her
where is my daughter the exasperated father demanded an answer and the Teacher was at a loss for words stammering she began to explain confusingly you see Dr Pono your girl is sometimes uncontrollable today we had an incident floriana threw a tantrum during class and then ran out of the the classroom I thought she'd gone home Dr Pono was Furious he hissed angrily Mrs Morgan pray to God that nothing happens to my child an elderly cleaning lady helped find the missing child as teachers and high school students began To search the building and the surrounding area
the woman asked why are you all in such a fuss one of the teachers thought to ask her have you seen a first grader a little blonde girl with pigtails the elderly woman put on an important face every other girl here has pigtails but there's one hiding under the stairs Dr Pono rushed to the place the cleaning lady was pointing to and there he found his daughter sleeping on Dusty Things Mrs Morgan frightened out of her wits said confusedly well nothing terrible has happened the girl has been found and you shouldn't have panicked Dr Pono
hissed threat inly we'll sort this out yet I promise you that I will not let this outrageous Affair slide where has it been seen that first grade girls run away from lessons Mrs Morgan was trembling like a leaf on the wind but she didn't want to admit her guilt how can I keep track of them all I'm alone And I have two dozen of them Dr Pono was merciless to the teacher when he pronounced his verdict you must have made a mistake in your choice of profession it's dangerous to entrust children to you Dr Pono
did not scold his daughter for her rash act but tried to find out what prompted her to run away from the lesson floriana immediately confessed Mrs Morgan said that bad words about me everyone began to laugh at me and I took offense Especially at Paul and it's a good thing I didn't become friends with him Dr Pono was shocked at what he heard from his daughter the next morning he went straight to the school principal and demanded action against the teacher who allowed herself such statements in the presence of children the principal listened to the
outraged father and sighed heavily dear Dr Pono I understand you perfectly well but I can't do anything there's a Chronic shortage of Staff especially in elementary school no one wants to work with kids Dr Pono stared at the principal so you won't take any measures the principal waved his hands alas the only thing I can do in this situation is to give Mrs Morgan a Stern warning if I apply more radical measures she'll wave goodbye to us that is she'll go to another school where she'll be welcomed with open arms Dr Pono hadn't expected such
a turn He asked confusedly what am I to do put up with the lawlessness that Reigns in your school the principal tried to smile why so unflattering about our institution we do our best to educate future citizens but if you're personally not satisfied with our school you can transfer your daughter to another one as for me I can offer only this solution transfer the girl to a parallel class Dr Pono agreed floriana learned About her father's conversation with the principal a little later when they went to visit her grandparents and she AC accidentally overheard adults
talking Having learned about the teacher's outrageous act the grandmother began to rant what on Earth is going on this is a real outrage in our time the teacher was a role model a paragon of decency and now what the principal told you right son you should transfer to another School mom I told the principal and I'll repeat it to you I'm not going to raise my daughter in Greenhouse conditions I want her to be prepared for any hardship in life the grandmother said judgmentally so you want to throw her right into the water if she
doesn't swim let her drown Anthony grumbled unhappily Mom that's not an excellent comparison a few seconds later he added you know very well that floriana is the most precious thing I have it was this Phrase or rather the tone with which it was uttered that turned everything over in the little girl's Soul she vowed that she would never again upset her father that day floriana Pono decided that she would not get involved with boys True she soon forgot the last promise but the girl became more careful about choosing friends after David's call floriana didn't hesitate
long and immediately went to meet him she literally ran to the park where her fiance was waiting For her her high heels hindered this mode of travel and several times the girl risked falling David noticed her from afar and waved in greeting he was sitting on a park bench with a smile watching his bride when floriana plopped down beside him breathless David laughed yes you obviously have problems with sprinting after the wedding I'll have to take care of your physical training the girl still hadn't caught her breath after running so she didn't Answer right away
are you kidding at me the young man Drew her to himself and gently kissed her forehead what do you mean do I look like an evil torturer it was just very amusing to watch you run and if I had crashed would it have looked funny too floriana's voice sounded resentful and David made a funny Grimace floriana don't take offense at such Trifles perhaps I made a bad joke forgive this Rascal he won't do it again the young man said making a funny face At her David knew well what annoyed and what made his future spouse
happy after all they had been dating for 2 years a considerable period by today's standards despite his education in construction field he was an excellent physiognomist from a person's facial expressions and gestures David could unmistakably determine their mood this ability was very helpful in working with clients if he noticed that someone was dissatisfied he would let his natural Charm take over the young man also had no misfires with women he tried to surround each girl or woman with attention and care and it worked without fail but David quickly tired of each new romance and parted
with his girlfriends without regret his parents scolded their son for frivolity his father being especially diligent in this David you'll waste your whole life like this I don't understand what you're so obsessed about are you constantly looking for a Princess such reproaches made the young man laugh what if I'm lucky and some princess really falls in love with me you're a troublemaker David living in dreams you're a countryman yourself and you should look for a girl from your own Circle to marry it's a Pity it didn't work out with Lori she would have made a
good wife the mention of his former lover caused both longing and irritation David made incredible efforts to forget about her and his efforts were not in Vain the more time passed the more the past faded meeting floriana proved that dreaming wasn't harmful although their acquaintance occurred under rather strange circumstances David immediately realized that this girl was sent to him by Fate after serving in the Army he returned to his native Village full of Hope but for several months he couldn't find a decent job his parents patient ly tolerated his chronic dependency trying to help him
with advice and more often With reproaches David stop fooling around how long do you intend to chill out his father asked from time to time Dad you can see that I'm looking for a job where are you looking at home lying on the couch dad why start an empty conversation on this subject when you know very well what kind of job situation we're in you're not looking hard enough we have a shortage of people On the farm and you'd be surely hired in workshops or construction sites did you study for nothing do you want me
to get you a job at the Fuel Depot mother immediately joined the conversation offering her own employment options we also need responsible people without bad habits the pay is good and the work isn't hard because everything is mechanized usually at this point a dispute would break out between his parents which allowed David to sneak out Of the house he didn't support either of the opposing sides because one day he realized that he didn't want to spend his life in the village however this realization didn't come immediately before the Army and shortly after his service he
didn't consider Village Life so flawed David even planned to settle down in his native land and have many children after all back in school he had fallen in love with the girl whom he long considered the standard of beauty Lori Walsh reciprocated his love she wrote him tender letters when he was in the Army David got used to the idea that he should marry her but a tragedy befell Lori that ruined all the young man's plans the accident occurred just during his job search period and it was this circumstance that made David reconsider his intentions
without informing his parents par he simply ran away from home taking a little money from the family piggy Bank his mother was a gust when he called 2 days later to let her know he was okay David your father and I almost went crazy we didn't know what to think is that the way to treat your parents was it so hard to warn us the grown son began to ineptly justify himself mom I'll return the money as soon as I get my first paycheck I'll send it to you by transfer or bring it myself but
nah impatiently interrupted her son what Does money have to do with it you did something terrible and that's a more important thing than money when David heard his mother's sobs over the phone he physically felt how her tears echoed with pain in his heart mom please don't cry believe me I didn't mean to hurt you everything just happened spontaneously as if someone from above told me to go to the city that my destiny was there this confession calmed his mother a little maybe it's true maybe you'll find A good job in the city and God
willing you'll meet a nice girl David felt that she had something else to say and he was not mistaken with a heavy sigh the woman said I didn't want to tell you but Lori left too her father took her away they're very upset with us maybe it's for the best that he did David agreed you're right Mom it's better for everyone let them judge me call me a coward but I'm not ready for such a serious test the mother said Nothing but from her Restless breathing the son realized that she fully supported him David's job
search was lucky almost without leaving the station he found a suitable position in a pizzeria the young man went into the establishment just to have a snack but right at the entrance his gaze fell on a vacancy announcement he asked out of curiosity how long have you had a vacancy for a courier the girl grinned since this morning a few people have Already applied but the owner didn't like them David asked with a chuckle maybe I'd be more to your Master's liking the girl held her Gaze on him quite possibly he is a boore but
he pays well if you don't have a weakness for drink and are honest about your duties you should give it a try without waiting for David's answer the girl called out Mr Hasley there's another interested candidate before David could blink a short man in a chef's hat appeared he Looked at David for a long time then began to study his documents with the same intensity finally he said well young man let's see what you're capable of if you pass the probationary period I'll keep you I can't promise much but you won't be disappointed despite its
modest sign the pizzeria was popular with the town's people it was especially crowded at lunchtime but some Pizza Lovers ordered late in the evening and even at night David traveled around the city in the owner's car delivering orders often forgetting to eat he frequently had to work overtime but never once expressed dissatisfaction the owner really paid well and the guy soon managed to get a decent apartment in a house not far from his workplace one summer evening Mr Hasley asked him to stay a little longer David we have a real mess today you could say
a disaster Andy suddenly fell ill and there are plenty of orders help Me out despite his exhaustion David cheerfully declared Mr Hasley I'm at your complete disposal command me the owner immediately gave him a list of orders and said David just try to meet the delivery times there are people on this list that I don't want to upset the young man wasn't surprised by the request but asked so tell me whom to serve first you'll go to this address first Dr Kevin Burnham is our regular customer and my savior a few years ago I Was
in a car accident I was badly injured and thought I'd never walk again that probably would have happened if I hadn't been lucky enough to get to Dr Burnham he's a god-given doctor a real talent even though he's very young he's a little older than you David was very impressed by the story and eager to see the wizard doctor but when he arrived at the address and rang the doorbell a girl suddenly ran out of the apartment followed by a young man in a fancy Outfit David guessed that he was an accidental witness to a
love drama this guess was confirmed by the words the young man called after the girl floriana wait you misunderstood everything I'm ready to wait for you even for ages the girl shouted back Kevin please don't make such sacrifices why can't you realize that I just don't love you the couple argued for a minute or two on the floor below and David patiently waited for the day numar finally a door slammed Loudly and soon the young doctor returned from his upset face David realized that this evening had clearly not gone well for him but the Courier's
job didn't include consoling customers so he said the catchphrase there is your pizza and we're glad you don't change your taste preferences the young man stared blankly at David then said sluggishly oh yes I'd forgotten I ordered pizza don't need it now though afraid that the upset doctor Might refuse the order he hastily handed him two boxes the doctor immediately took out his wallet and paid the next moment the apartment door slammed so David didn't have time to deliver the final phrase since he had neither time nor desire to dwell on the doctor's problems David
quickly went down to the first floor and headed for the car he suddenly stopped short however because near the car stood the same girl who had caused the good doctor such suffering Noticing the Curious confusion The Stranger asked would you give me a lift to the city center I don't have my car today naturally David couldn't refuse the girl at such a late hour but he warned her I'll take you all the way home but on the way I have to stop stop at for addresses the girl smiled I'm in no hurry I'm even interested
in learning the intricacies of Courier work her soft voice especially her smile made the strongest impression on David he had Never experienced such feelings when meeting girls before at first he was even a little confused but the girl was the first to start a conversation she introduced herself and mentioned that she worked at a law firm then she began to ask about his work floriana behaved casually as as if they had known each other for years David quickly forgot about his initial awkwardness he quipped told jokes and shared funny stories from his life as a
career that night changed Everything in David's life the next morning he realized that floriana was sent to him by Fate terribly nervous he called the girl and asked her on a date she accepted pleasant memories flashed in David's head for a brief moment as he watched floriana but all extraneous thoughts receded when she settled down next to him floriana looked guiltily at her fianceé David sorry I'm late the boss gave me a new case so I had to stay a Bit longer the young man asked in an indifferent tone and what is it the girl
began to apologize again David I can't disclose confidential information the young man remarked with resentment in his voice oh yes I forgot that we're Birds of a different feather I'm just a delivery boy a pizza delivery boy and you're an important person a nervous twitch crossed the girl's face David why are you saying this you know very well that for me it's the person That matters not their status or wealth the guy averted his eyes I'm sorry I've been irritable lately it's probably because of my father's illness floriana asked anxiously what's wrong with him is
it serious David waved his hand glumly it couldn't be more serious I'm not good with medical terms but there's something wrong with his back he can't bend or straighten up my mother is in a complete panic because my father is the main stay Of the house and I can't quit my job to help them that's the situation floriana why didn't you tell me before or did you forget that your future father-in-law is a doctor the young man lowered his gaze no I haven't forgotten but it's awkward somehow your father doesn't take too kindly to me
as it is I don't want to annoy him with requests the girl looked affectionately at her fiance David please don't fill Your head with ridiculous ideas my father is a very decent man and an excellent doctor it wouldn't cost him anything to arrange a consultation for your father we just need to arrange it in advance and choose a convenient time for the visit David perked up you think it's worth asking him floriana laughed I'll talk to dad today and call you tomorrow the young man cheered up floriana you're a real Miracle how lucky I was
to have Met you that night I can't imagine what would have happened if you had stayed with that young doctor in a burst of emotion David embraced Oriana but she quickly freed herself from his Embrace don't be so harsh David Kevin is a good person he had been cting me for a long time but you can't command your heart can you David asked defiantly you pity that loser well know that I don't like it the girl didn't answer his question but her tone changed as she remarked David you could have been in Kevin's Place let's
not talk about this anymore I don't like this kind of talk the girl stood up abruptly that's it I'll have to go to work I'll call you tomorrow David got up and together with his fiance headed for the exit of the park he wanted to kiss the girl goodbye but she dodged there are many strangers here and I don't like to display my feelings in public we're almost husband and wife what is there to be shy about and in General you're behaving very strangely he said unhappily floriana was surprised what's strange about my behavior at
least the fact you have a wedding coming up and you're thinking about completely unrelated things normal Brides share their dress and hairstyle and you the Girl Interrupted the groom mids sentence David I'm not like the others it's a pity you still haven't realized it floriana hurriedly walked away leaving Being the groom alone with his thoughts David watched the girl for a long time and only when she disappeared he thought my princess is not as simple as she seems for the first time in almost 2 years David doubted the correctness of his choice of life partner
he diligently pushed away the negative thoughts reassuring himself that marriage with florana if not making him happy would at least allow him to live comfortably without much strain Of course floriana had no idea what her future husband was thinking at these moments after learning about David's father's illness she began to think hard about how to help her future relative these worries didn't leave her head even as she plunged head first into the new case her boss had assigned her later that evening opening her father's apartment door floriana sniffed the air wow is my daddy cooking
something delicious Anthony Pono called out from the kitchen you guessed it daughter my sister sent me a recipe for a simple and Hearty dish this morning so I decided to experiment a little at the stove floriana kicked off her uncomfortable heels and slipped her feet into soft slippers with pleasure she walked into the kitchen and hugged her father dad you have no idea how much I love you Anthony glanced at his daughter I adore you too but you don't look well Today come wash your hands and sit at the table in 2 minutes we can
have our meal in the small Pono family there was a rule no talk about business during meals Dr Pono himself strictly observed this rule when dinner was finished he said with a smile that's it my daughter now it's your turn I cooked dinner so you wash the dishes floriana was childishly embarrassed dad you know how to spoil the mood you know very well that I can't stand washing dishes Anthony was surprised what's this now you're getting married aren't you do you really expect your husband to do your dishes laundry and cleaning for you a blush
broke out on the girl's cheeks dad I did get the impression you're not happy that I'm getting married of course I guess you don't like David but Anthony hastily interrupted his daughter the main thing is that you like him but that's not the point I hate to tell you this But I'm more experienced in life perhaps I'm wrong but your David reminds me of a gold digger florana exclaimed dad but Anthony said very calmly forgive my frankness daughter but I've said what I think I'll be glad if my opinion turns out to be wrong his
daughter's eyebrows farrowed there you've ruined everything now I don't know if I should ask you the smile lit up on the man's face again daughter ask me anything you want floriana told Him briefly about David's father's illness as she spoke the expression on her father's face changed from amused to worried why didn't they catch it sooner tell your David to bring his father to our Clinic I'll have Dr Burnham take a look at him floriana was surprised but he has a different speciality Anthony grinned wow another medical expert for your information Dr Burnham is a
highly specialized specialist you'll be hard pressed to find such doctors in short First we'll see what's going on and then we'll decide on the treatment for our future relative in the meantime let our patient apply this marvelous ointment to his back this ointment is excellent for back stiffness and pain after a brief search at the first aid kit Anthony took out a package of ointment and handed it to his daughter let David bring the medicine to his father and he should not postpone with his consultation the girl looked anxiously into her father's eyes Dad do
you think it's appropriate what exactly well asking Kevin Dr Pono padded his daughter on the shoulder daughter a doctor must be true to his oath and do his duty in any situation Kevin is a consumate professional for him his patient life is Paramount and everything else is secondary after the conversation with his daughter Anthony couldn't sleep for a long time he lay awake pondering the intricacies of his fate how many times Had it thrown serious trials his way was he again waiting for another test of strength unfortunately he didn't know the answer to this question
yet the man rolled over on his side hoping the change of position would help him sleep but Restless thoughts spun in his head like a merrygoround that couldn't be stopped realizing that this night would be Sleepless Anthony L longa tried to force himself to sleep he began to recall the Most remarkable events of his life Anthony discovered his vocation back in elementary school he couldn't pass by an abandoned cat or dog without trying to treat wounded animals to his parents this hobby seemed strange so his mother constantly scolded him Anthony why are you dragging everyone
into the house didn't they tell you at school that animals transmit all sorts of diseases the boy was indignant at this accusation Mom do you think if they're sick they should be thrown out but then they'll die and that's inhumane his mother grumbled but didn't dare to throw out the animals her son had temporarily taken in his father never scolded his offspring he supported his acts of Mercy Anthony listen to your mom less and do as your heart says animals can't stand up for themselves so you have to help them God willing you'll grow up
and become a veterinarian at first Anthony wanted to devote himself to this profession but then he realized he had to save people this realization of his Destiny came to him in seventh grade since his knowledge in some subjects was clearly lacking he had to study hard The Village boy's diligence paid off and he finished school with only two bees Anthony resolutely declared to his parents I will go to the capital I want to become A famous doctor his mother laughed in response to such a bold statement son wake up you must be from a rich
family to afford to study medicine in the capital and who are you a simple country boy go to veterinary school you won't go wrong as always his father stood up for his son mother don't speak about what you don't know everything can be achieved if you have a goal and the strength for it who knows maybe a and Anthony will become a doctor don't stand In his way the father's word was Final in their family so the mother never raised this topic again Anthony entered medical school on his first attempt throughout his student years he
focused solely on his studies and didn't get distracted by entertainment his classmates used to tease him Anthony don't put too much weight on the granite of science or you'll be left without teeth and girls won't love you but Anthony wasn't offended by such taunts Unusually replied all in good time I'll get my diploma then I'll take a month off to make up for lost opportunities but the implementation of this bold plan was prevented by one circumstance in his final year anony was offered a position in the department of military surgery he thought about it overnight
and agreed in the morning for several years Dr Pono performed his medical Duty in various conflict zones in one of these places he met Bella a Young nurse at a military Hospital their romance developed according to the classic scenario and the couple was in no hurry to tie the not but one day an incident occurred that prompted the lovers to hasten their marriage the medical facility where they saved the lives of both military personnel and civilians was attacked One Night by a gang by some miracle there were no casualties when help arrived and the bandits
were neutralized Bella took a Long time to recover she was crying and with a Tremor in her voice babbled that's this Anthony I can't go on I really want to live I want a normal family and children it's good that my contract is about to expire Anthony shared similar feelings but felt he had no moral right to show weakness in front of his beloved soon he proposed to Bella after arduously negotiating a week's leave from his superiors Dr Pono traveled with his Bride to the Homeland they signed their marriage certificate at the registry office despite
its modesty the ceremony didn't diminish the newlyweds happiness Anthony promised his young wife Bella I swear every day of our life together will be as joyous as today Anthony Pono would likely have kept his promise if not for Fate's intervention the couple decided to postpone having children until Anthony completed his service Upon returning Home home Bella easily found work and simultaneously searched for a position for her husband she shared the good news over the phone Anthony don't Dole you can't imagine how hard I had to persuade the chief to hold the surgeon's position he only
agreed because of your field experience after two long years apart the couple finally settled into domestic life naturally their primary concern starting a family topped their list of priorities one evening Bella whispered Ered in her husband's ear Anthony we're having a baby I saw the doctor today I'm already 5 weeks along from that day Anthony began meticulously monitoring his wife's Health he shielded her from strain and regulated the expectant mother's daily routine the pregnancy progressed smoothly and the couple learned they were having a girl Anthony recalled that summer day minute by minute he and Bella
had planned to shop for maternity clothes but as luck would Have it it Anthony was urgently called to the hospital reluctant to disappoint his wife he suggested Bella could you please wait for me I'll try to be quick the woman laughed ha quick in surgery you'll be lucky to be back by midnight confused the man asked so what should we do Bella clung to her husband and at that moment their baby girl stirred in her belly Bella laughed heartily our daughter has say too Anthony Pono knelt and pressed his Ear to his wife's belly but
I can't hear what she's saying I can our daughter says you should go to work and we'll go shopping ourselves I'll take Sarah and her daughter with me she needs to shop to Anthony knew his wife's friend well a woman abandoned by her husband with a small child the unfortunate woman struggled to balance her daughter in work Bella discussed her friend's plight almost every evening which was beginning to wear on Anthony one day he even asked Bella don't we have anything else to talk about I understand and sympathize with Sarah but we have our own
concerns besides doesn't she have relatives who could help Bella then got angry with him and threw a short she has no one Sarah grew up in a troubled family and wants nothing to do with her relatives and she has no husband and felt ashamed of his remarks and refrained from making similar remarks thereafter on that fateful day the man helped his wife to Get into the cab and headed to the hospital where a patient awaited him as his wife had predicted it was a complex case and he operated for nearly 6 hours however when a
tired but satisfied doctor left the operating room he noticed his colleagues giving him strange looks he asked the nurse on duty in a weak voice can you explain these looks and sze what's wrong the nurse made a choking sound and burst into tears Dr Pono your wife she's here he Rushed toward the operating room but his colleagues blocked him Dr Pono you'd better not see her yet he barely remembers what happened next everything around him became a blur of talking Shadows their words incomprehensible Dr Pono shouted demanding to see his wife he thought he heard
Bella calling him one of the young surgeons led him straight to the freight elevator where two sheet covered bodies lay on a gurnie in a small hallway at That moment the terrible truth dawned on him the young intern explained sorrowfully your wife and her friend were both in the right side of the car when a minibus with 40 brakes hit the cab Dr Pono asked in a hollow voice and the cab driver the young intern replied concussion and several fractures there was a child in the car a girl she was sitting on the left side
behind the driver that's what saved her where is she the young doctor surprised by the Question answered the nurses took her to our pediatric department it's a miracle she only has some scratches the Child Welfare authorities should come for her soon Dr Pono stroe quickly towards the pediatric department he sat down beside the little girl and held out his hand to her well floriana we're left alone what shall we do the little girl stretched out her hand to him Dr Pono pressed her to his chest and whispered don't be afraid of anything we're destined to
be Together now outside the window Dawn was breaking Anthony jumped out of bed cheerfully well then I'll sleep later he headed for the kitchen glancing into his daughter's room on the way Flor was sound asleep a blissful smile on her face the man whispered you should be happy happy for everyone for Bella Sarah and my unborn daughter I'll do everything so nothing interferes with your happiness floriana opened her eyes for a Moment dad is it time to get up he quickly replied sleep a little longer I'll make breakfast Anthony didn't tell his daughter the whole
truth believing the time for confession hadn't come yet while preparing breakfast he decided that floriana should know everything before her wedding but the morning began with a small problem floriana as promised called David she thought he'd be happy to hear that her father was going to personally take care Of his father's treatment but instead of gratitude she heard annoyance florana it's not a good time I can't today I have a full day's work and tomorrow too it's a complete Emery here the girl was surprised David is it so difficult to ask for leave it's about
your father's Health isn't it for about half a minute only David's noisy breathing was heard after a long pause he said I understand everything but I can't risk my job because of my father If my boss throws me out where else will I find such a cushy position the girl was at a loss suddenly David exclaimed floriana could you go to my parents after your work I'll be truly grateful if you help me out the girl had other plans for the evening but couldn't refuse the man who was soon to become her husband without enthusiasm
she said all right David I'll check on your parents and give them the ointment David rejoiced at the quick Resolution of the problem then you could give my father a lift to town on your way back as well why waste time let him spend the night at your place I think your father won't mind floriana was accustomed to coordinating with her father everything concerning their joint household so she answered uncertainly yes of course he won't mind the workday flew by instantly floriana managed to unearth Ironclad evidence against the ex-husband of the new client And she
was pleased with the results of her efforts so her father wouldn't worry she called him Dad I'll be late tonight I'm visiting David's parents can't he do it in himself floriana realized from her father's voice that he wasn't happy about that news she herself didn't like that David had pushed the care of his parent onto her either and all the way to the Village she pondered her situation at some point a treacherous thought visited her didn't I rush into This marriage she diligently chased the thought away but it kept returning it was already dark when
the familiar outlines of the village where David's parents lived appeared in the distance but the road to the Village was so broken that floriana had to drive at minimum speed further Complicated by the dim Street lighting the girl tried to find the right house from memory but it was difficult to navigate in almost Complete darkness she got out of the car and walked down the street towards a house with lit Windows soon the girl heard voices that sounded familiar to her oh I'm at my destination floriana quickened her Pace she walked into the yard and
froze realizing she had made a mistake with the house the girl was about to turn around when she heard voices again from the open window she realized she had accidentally found herself in the yard Of David's parents neighbors the tailor were talking loudly but the strangest thing was that they were discussing the bailees it was the surname that made floriana listen breathlessly to the conversation Mrs Taylor was doing most of the talking with Mr Taylor only occasionally making short remarks apparently the conversation had started not long ago so floriana caught its essence you can't believe
people like that we live not knowing there are such Scoundrels around us Mrs Taylor said to her husband don't frown you know what I'm saying about the Bailey they pretend to be decent especially nah but the other day she boasted to the woman that her son seduced a city fool whose father is a big shot with lots of money why are you going around the village Gathering gossip Mr Taylor's judgmental Voice Was Heard what gossip I heard it with my own ears nah bragging about her son's exploits the wife objected she' better Explain how her
David got Lori pregnant and then abandoned her yes he did wrong the girl waited for him while he was in the Army and he left her in a difficult moment floriana felt that she was short of air a terrible thought burned in floriana's mind David is not who he says he is no David couldn't have done that maybe the reason for the breakup was different but her inner voice immediately Snidely remarked then why didn't he tell you that he had Had a pregnant girlfriend the emotions were so strong that floriana instinctively took a step to
the side stumbled and a sharp pain pierced her ankle she screamed from the window she heard Thomas look who's walking under our Windows the landlord jumped out of the house shouting who's there limping on one leg floriana emerged from the shade of the trees Mr Taylor don't be frightened it's floriana I'm a little lost the the man took a Closer look at The Uninvited Guest Helen it's the neighbor's daughter-in-law she's wandered into our yard the hosts cly brought the night guest in and Mrs Taylor told her in detail how David had treated his ex-girlfriend Lori
worked at the post office and rode her bicycle around the Villages to keep up with deliveries sometimes she delivered correspondence until late at night our roads are treacherous with Ravines quaries and Other obstacles once Lori was unlucky she fell off a cliff while taking a shortcut breaking both her legs and her spine poor Lor's father thought the girl wouldn't survive but she did however she remained disabled floriana was anxious to know what part David had played in this story Mrs Taylor was reluctant to continue I don't want a bad mouth David but right after Lor's
accident he went to the city our villagers condemned him an Nina Defended her son saying she didn't raise her son to take care of a disabled person then it became known that Lori was pregnant when the accident happened to her excitement dried floriana's mouth and she asked the land lady for water Mrs Taylor gave her a full mug didn't David tell you anything about Lori the girl shook her head no this is the first time I've heard the story and it's good that I did tell me where is Lori now this time it was Mr
Taylor who spoke up There're nearby in a neighboring Village Carl her father went straight to his sister's place she has a big house sometimes he comes here to check on this house floriana thanked her hosts and headed for the exit Mrs Taylor ran after her where are you going at night you should spend the night here the girl grinned bitterly thanks for the invitation but I have to go she took out a packet of ointment from her purse Mrs Taylor could you give this to David's Father he has back troubl and this ointment is very
effective the woman began to examine the packaging all right I'll pass it on in the morning but why don't you make your future relatives happy yourself floriana waved her hand dismissively I don't feel like it and it's late more than anything she wanted to cry on her father's reliable shoulder but floriana realized she shouldn't sour And give into emotions as an unbalanced state is dangerous for driving Gathering all her willpower she concentrated on the road it was well past midnight when she opened her apartment door floriana didn't have time to flick the switch before she
heard her father's voice finally you've arrived I've been anxious all day after your call floriana rushed to her father and burst into tears Daddy I almost made the biggest mistake of my life Dr P o let his daughter cry and When she calmed down asked what are you going to do now the girl confidently said I know one thing for sure there will be no wedding for now it's better to go through life alone than to marry a man who can betray you at any moment the next morning floriana calmly informed David about her decision
the guy clearly didn't expect such a sharp reversal he began to shout that it was all a lie that the evil neighbors had slandered his good name that he had no Daughter and that Lori had fathered a child with an unknown lover it was unpleasant to listen to all this and floriana only said you're so mean and hung up that same day she went to the registry office and withdrew their application for wedding for some reason afterward her soul felt lighter as if cleared of unnecessary junk David took the breakup painfully besieging floriana with constant
cause first he begged her to come to her senses then he began to Threaten his parents joined the process of trying to salvage their son's happiness of course the main actor was his mother while his father silently agreed with his wife two years have passed every minute floriana looked at the door behind which Kevin Burnham had disappeared an hour ago she knew that behind this auster door real magic was happening after all her husband was a true magician giving people back their ability to move and walk floriana will My mom be able to walk hope
froze in little Molly Brown's eyes floriana hugged the girl mommy will definitely be able to walk we just have to wait and believe the little girl sighed heavily I can wait a whole day even a whole year Aunt floriana tell me will mommy's other leg be sewn back on who told you such nonsense your mom's not a rag doll who can replace an arm or a leg she'll be fitted with a special device walk with it for a few months and when it's Removed she won't need crutches anymore Molly was deeply impressed by this explanation
just like in a fairy tale when I grow up I'll become a doctor like Dr Kevin and Dr Anthony I'll fix children's legs when they break them the girl began to speculate aloud about her distant future her thin voice ringing eerily loud in the spacious corridor finally the door floriana was watching opened and Dr Burnham appeared on the threshold with a joyful smile he said Everything's fine girls we can register AF first success Molly ran up to the doctor Kevin can I go to my mom Dr Burnham stroked the little girl's smoothly coifed head with
undistinguished tenderness let your mom sleep a little and then you can visit her in the meantime you and floriana can take a walk in the park fresh air is is good for both of you floriana agreed with her husband perhaps you're right we should freshen up a bit she held out her Hand and with his help she stood up God I'm getting as clumsy as a turtle the man laughed if that's the case I have to tell you that you're a very adorable Turtle Kevin stared at floriana and said very quietly and there's an equally
adorable little turtle inside floriana glanced pointedly at Molly Kevin mind what you're saying in front of the child not the least bit embarrassed the little girl declared you think I don't know anything I know that Little babies first grow in the tummy so they won't be stolen and then they're born the adults laughed with relief and Kevin said smart little girl that's an interesting Theory you've come up with let me walk you to the exit or you might get lost in the Labyrinth of corridors in our Clinic floriana was enjoying the spring sunshine and Molly
was having fun on the small playground located on the clinic grounds she had already made friends and was telling them something Enthusiastically floriana looked at the little girl hardly believing this was the same child she had seen two years ago in an old house on the edge of an unfamiliar Village after the breakup with David she had immediately gone searching for Lori whose existence she had learned about from David's neighbor although the village indicated by Mrs Taylor was only a few kilometers away floriana spent half a day searching for this settlement But the most shocking
thing was that almost no one lived in that Village a few streets with houses boarded up Windows presented a very dreary sight there were no stores or other signs of civilization the only bright spot in this dystopian picture was a little girl playing in The Tall Grass for a few minutes floriana silently watched the child not daring to approach but a mature woman came out of a nearby house and asked in a formidable voice what do You want floriana whispered I'm looking for Carl Walsh The Woman cast her another unkind look from the Social Security
office or what at last they've started dealing I was about to complain soon it turned out that Lori was the woman's niece and she was in an almost helpless State due to inquiries she had limited Mobility but the young mother wasn't given disability status so her aunt had to handle everything herself she began complaining To floriana at once if only I were younger but I'm already in my sixth decade my strength isn't what it used to be floriana asked about Lor's father and the woman burst into tears he died last month I'm all alone now
if something happens to me my Lori will be completely lost of course after what she had seen floriana couldn't turn around and leave she went to the house where she met Lori David's former fiance didn't welcome the guest warmly either why did you come Here to enjoy my helplessness well go ahead and admire the young woman jumped out of her chair forgetting about her crutches and almost fell floriana managed to catch her in time Lori I came for another purpose I want to help you and your daughter Lori didn't relent did David send you does
he want to make up for his guilt lauriana pleaded Lori calm down nobody sent me David and I have parted ways the young woman talked for a long Time then cried together floriana stayed at Lor's aunt's house for the night leaving early the next morning she told her father the sad story of the woman David had abandoned Anthony Pono said firmly we should take her to Dr B I'm sure that Kevin will help her in just one day Lor's fate changed she had undergone several complex surgeries but the belief that she would walk again gave
her strength floriana however felt she needed to do more for her despite Her pregnancy she continued her law practice planning to secure alimony from David Bailey for Molly's upbringing through the court with all the evidence in hand she only needed to await the trial floriana shivered when she heard a voice behind her ah there you are lawyer she turned to see David's hateful look but remained composed yeah I'm here why have you shown up David struck a defiant pose I've come to tell you that you won't succeed you can't pin someone else's brat on me
I know this is your way of getting back at me but I'll never acknowledge this child I'll deny everything floriana Rose from the bench David everything's already proven Lori gave birth to your daughter I also want to tell you that I thank God I figured you out in time she turned her back on her former fiance and called out Molly we have to go your mom's probably Waiting for us by now the girl looked at David with curiosity floriana who's that sir you were talking to floriana answered indifferently just a passer by come along now
for the first time David felt the sting of remorse he watched floriana and the little girl running beside her a deep pain taking hold this unfamiliar feeling stunned him leaving him at a loss for how to shake it off
