Vasily may have been a piece of shit, but he did teach me a few things that I’ll carry with me the rest of my life. There are a few things I know Vasily taught me that are true.
Trust no one but yourself, Galina. The rest would rape your corpse for a ruble. Look after yourself, no one else.
I reflexively look up when I hear a scream inside the house but quickly look away, my attention focused on the road ahead. Standing, I needlessly brush dirt from the thread barren skirt I’m wearing and look to the horizon.
I hear footsteps behind me and turn to my brother who is holding out a hand. I notice he has a small backpack on, and I smile as he reaches to take my hand.
I hate Vasily, but I can’t help but think that his mistreatment served to prepare me for the world I’m about to enter. A smile graces my face as we take our first steps away from our childhood home.
I’ll keep Krystof beside me for now, but as they always have, Vasily’s words ring clear in my head. I know I’ll never trust a living soul.
The world better be ready for us because the sins of our family are many, and I’m done running from them.