The children accepted this without question. Mia took one of Zoya\u2019s hands, Maria took the other, and they led her to the dinner table. Michael pulled out a chair for her, and Alex set down a clean plate. Half an hour later, Zoya, freshly washed and dressed in a set of Lisa\u2019s spare clothes, sat at their table, a quiet, dignified presence that seemed to instantly belong. She helped Mia with her spoon, her movements natural and loving. For the first time in ages, Lisa finished her own meal while it was still warm.<\/p>\n
The next morning, leaving the children with a near-stranger was terrifying. Zoya, who was sitting in a rocking chair mending a sock, seemed to read her mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cLisa, my dear,\u201d she said, looking up over a pair of reading glasses a neighbor had loaned her. \u201cI understand your worry. Go ask your neighbor, Martha, to pop in a few times today. They are children. You must be cautious.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are a very perceptive and kind woman,\u201d Lisa said, her relief palpable. \u201cI think we were very lucky to have found you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Within a week, Lisa couldn\u2019t imagine how they had ever managed without Grandma Zoya. She was the calm center of their chaotic home. She told the most enchanting bedtime stories, luring all four children to an early and peaceful sleep. She gently took over the kitchen.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou come home exhausted and just cook whatever is fastest,\u201d Zoya chided softly one evening. \u201cThat\u2019s no way. Children should have memories of delicious food, of a mother\u2019s warm kitchen. Let me handle the cooking. You just give me a list.\u201d<\/p>\n
The house began to smell of baking bread and savory soups. Miraculously, their grocery bills went down. Zoya was a magician of economy and flavor.<\/p>\n
She also began to tend to Lisa.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a beautiful woman, providing for your family all on your own,\u201d Zoya said one night over tea. \u201cAnd yet you shy away from men like they\u2019re monsters. You need to think of yourself, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lisa just laughed. \u201cWhat man wants a woman with four children?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFour wonderful, healthy, clever children,\u201d Zoya corrected. \u201cThat\u2019s not a burden; it\u2019s a testament. Don\u2019t you dare bury yourself alive.\u201d<\/p>\n
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