Undying Motherly Love

Once, in Russia, there was a married couple, as happy as nobody ever saw. When they walked around their neighborhood, every neighbor was delighted at the happy sight. They could not be in more love. But when the couple found out they were to be parents. The happiness doubled, for that was their wish. At last, when Anya, the wife, and now mother gave birth to their child, Ivan, the husband and now father couldn't …

…as he took a step closer. The baby was resting next to her heart, and she was looking upon Ivan. Then, Anya stood up, and left the child back in the cradle. She tiptoed back to the door without any word to any of the shocked watchers, and opened the door. Ivan moaned and embraced the baby. But his moan turned into a cry when he discovered that the baby he was holding was dead.