Once upon a time

Chickenpox, the Sea, and Maps

Almost all Soviet parents were convinced that children needed the sea in summer! The idea was that it would strengthen their immune system, provide vitamin D, allow them to walk barefoot on the beach, and prepare them for the long winter. It didn’t matter if it meant long hours on a train, a few days in discomfort due to sunburn, or a few days of upset because of different water or peaches. It was supposed to be fun.

But this time, Anya came down with chickenpox, so the sea was canceled for the entire trip. They gave the grandmother an ointment that left stains on Anya and the bedding. So, they discovered a mountain stream not far from home, where the grandmother washed the sheets, and Anya wandered over the stones in the water, naming them. When things started to settle down and the quarantine was lifted, she met the local kids - they rode tires down the river and visited each other. Uncle Alex, who rented out a room, told stories to the grandmother, and then they played cards for a long time while Anya was already asleep.

It was the happiest summer of her childhood because sometimes plans get cancelled and "your" people come into your life through unexpected routes. Only then do you realize that you have been waiting for them all along.