— Tanushka, don’t be upset — Sasha’s voice sounded both weary and apologetic. — The train stopped, they can’t manage without me. I’ll stay until late, maybe I’ll only get home on January second.
Tania pressed the phone to her shoulder while continuing to wrap the remote-controlled car in shiny gift paper. The present for Semen, her little nephew, had to look perfect.
— Sasha, what can we do, work is work — Tania tried to hide her disappointment. — Then we’ll greet the New Year by phone.
— And you’re still going to Rita’s, as you agreed, right? — Sasha asked.
— Of course. She’s been preparing for three days, bought enough food for half a household.
Sasha sighed with relief:
— That’s good. You won’t be alone. I’ve already told my mother that we’ll spend the holiday alone, so she won’t interfere.
Tania smiled as she cut the ribbon with her teeth:
— Your mother always finds a way.
— Alright, she’ll understand. She has plenty to do at the warehouse before the holidays anyway.
They said goodbye, and Tania glanced at the clock. Eight o’clock in ten minutes. Tomorrow is the agency’s last workday, then she can leave for her sister calmly.
She imagined setting the table with Rita, Semen running around the apartment waiting for the hour to strike, Andreas sharing new stories from work. A calm, family holiday, without tension.
The phone rang again. The display showed the name “Ulyana Sergeyevna.”
Tania answered on the third ring:
— Good evening.
— Hi, Tanushka — her mother-in-law’s voice was overly sweet, immediately making Tania suspicious. — How are you? Did Sasha call?
— Yes, just now. He said he’d be late.
— I know, he called me too — Ulyana Sergeyevna paused meaningfully. — I was thinking, since Sasha is on his way, will you be alone for the holiday?
Tania felt where this conversation was heading and tried to preempt it:
— No, I’m going to Rita’s. We’ve planned it for a long time.
— To Rita? — her mother-in-law’s voice sounded astonished, as if she’d heard something impossible. — Why? As Sasha’s wife, you should be with his family… I could come instead, keep you company.
— Thank you, Ulyana Sergeyevna, but that’s not necessary. They are preparing, I promised to help.
— Tanushka, what kind of help? — her tone sharpened. — Rita manages fine with her husband. You are Sasha’s wife. I am his mother. We should spend time together, even if it’s just over the phone.
Tania pressed her lips together. The conversation was unfolding exactly as she had feared.
— I don’t want to change my plans. I’m spending the holiday at my sister’s.
— I didn’t know! — Ulyana Sergeyevna’s voice grew stern. — If Sasha didn’t tell me, I’m sure he doesn’t approve of this idea.
Tania slowly counted to five in her mind before replying:
— Ulyana Sergeyevna, this is my decision. I will celebrate with my sister.
— We’ll see — her mother-in-law said mysteriously, then hung up.
Tania lowered the phone onto the couch and rubbed her temples. She had known Ulyana Sergeyevna for four years, since marrying Sasha, and she knew perfectly well that “we’ll see” actually meant the matter wasn’t over.
The next morning, Tania hurried to the agency for the last workday. Phones rang constantly, the office printer struggled to keep up, and clients tried to secure last-minute deals.
— Tanushka, where are you going for the holidays? — her colleague Sveta asked, holding a cup of coffee. — Sergei and I are escaping to Karelia for three days. And you?
— To my sister’s — Tania typed into a contract without looking up. — Sasha is on his way, he won’t make it home.
— And your mother-in-law? — Sveta perched on the desk edge. — She usually wants to meddle.
— She tried — Tania gave a wry smile. — She called yesterday, offered to come. I declined.
— And? Did she accept?
— I doubt it — Tania shrugged.
— Hang in there! And happy holidays in advance!
At half past twelve, the office phone rang. Tania expected a client, but the voice was familiar:
— Tanushka, it’s me.
— Good afternoon, Ulyana Sergeyevna — Tania leaned back in her chair. — What’s the matter?
— No problem. I was just thinking about the holidays… Maybe you’ll change your mind? I can bring some pastries, let’s meet, it will be more cheerful.
— I haven’t changed my mind — Tania tried to remain calm. — Thank you, but I’m going to Rita’s.
— What a sister-in-law! — Ulyana Sergeyevna no longer hid her frustration. — You’re Sasha’s wife!
— Rita is also family — Tania interrupted. — Sasha knows.
— Tanushka, you disappoint me — her mother-in-law shifted from anger to sorrow. — I thought we could talk normally.
— And we are talking. I just have plans.
— Well, well — her mother-in-law said suspiciously. — Alright, work.
Tania hung up the phone, feeling anxiety; Ulyana Sergeyevna would not give up easily.
On December 31, Tania woke up cheerful. The morning was cold but sunny. She had a slow breakfast, then packed her things:
gifts for Semen, a container of Olivier salad made the night before, an extra sweater, a cosmetic bag. On the table, she placed a bottle of sparkling wine — for Rita and Andreas.
Around ten thirty, the phone rang. It was Ulyana Sergeyevna.
— Tanushka, I’ll be there in an hour — her mother-in-law said firmly. — Prepare something, I didn’t have time for breakfast, the holiday preparations kept me busy.
Tania froze with the packages in her hands:
— Ulyana Sergeyevna, I told you yesterday I’m going to Rita’s.
— I’m coming anyway — came the determined reply. — I’d be bored alone, let’s celebrate together.
— I’m not home — Tania said slowly but firmly. — I’m not changing my plans.
— You must be joking?! — her mother-in-law yelled. — I’m already on my way!
— I’ve said it twice — Tania tried to stay calm. — Two days ago, yesterday, and this morning.
— Tanushka, don’t lie! — Ulyana Sergeyevna shouted. — Come back immediately!
Tania shook her head, Rita nodded approvingly, Andreas gave a thumbs-up.
— No — Tania said firmly. — I didn’t ask you to come. Happy New Year, Ulyana Sergeyevna.
She hung up, hands trembling slightly.
— Well done — Rita placed her hand on Tania’s. — You held your ground.
— I won’t back down — Tania said. — Now let Sasha explain.
— And rightly so — Rita agreed.
Tania spent the next few hours helping with preparations, playing with Semen, and preparing food. The phone didn’t ring again. In the evening, Sasha called:
— Happy New Year, my love!
— Happy New Year! — Tania stepped onto the balcony. — Your mother didn’t call?
— No. I wrote to her again, she didn’t reply either.
Sasha relaxed, and they continued talking. Tania felt the tension ease. The holiday passed peacefully, everyone enjoyed themselves.
The following year, Ulyana Sergeyevna remained quiet, until Tania received a package with her favorite poppy-seed cake and a note:
“Just like I used to bake. If you like, come celebrate with me. U. S.”
Tania and Sasha were first surprised, then gradually understood: the mother-in-law had taken the first step, perhaps they could build a new foundation for their relationship.
As they finally spent the New Year together, Tania felt calm: she had stood by her decision, her words were respected, and that was the most important thing.
