Running late for her abortion appointment, the woman realized she had left her documents in the car…

«Good people have a bright one, bad people a dark one.» «Yours is very bright, Uncle Gene’s too.» This was another manifestation of Mike’s gift that Paula didn’t know about before.

The boy could see not only the future but also people’s inner essence. «And what do you see in the future?» she asked. «I see that Uncle Gene will become part of our family.»

Mike answered simply. Paula was surprised. She and Eugene were just colleagues and friends.

But Mike’s words made her think that there might be something more between them. In November, good news came. The adoption commission approved Paula’s application.

Only the last formalities remained: Mike’s consent to adoption and setting the date when he could leave the orphanage. Mike, Paula said, coming to him with this news, the commission allowed me to adopt you. «Do you agree to become my son?» The boy was silent for a few seconds, then threw himself into her arms.

«Yes.» «Of course yes. In two weeks, you’ll be able to move in with me.

Really?» «I’ll live in a real family.» «In a real family.» «You’ll have your own room, your own things, and soon a little brother will appear.»

Mike cried from happiness. Finally, he had a family, a mom, a home. What he had dreamed of all the years after his mother’s death.

Paula cried too. She understood she was taking on huge responsibility—raising a special child who needed understanding and support. But she was ready for it.

That same evening, Eugene called her. «Paula, congratulations on successfully completing the adoption procedure.» Dr. Stephens told me.

«Thank you.» «I’m very happy. I’d like to suggest celebrating this event.»

«Maybe have dinner somewhere?» Paula thought. Over the last months, Eugene had become not just a colleague but a close friend to her. She trusted him, felt comfortable with him.

«Maybe Mike was right, and there could be something more between them.» «With pleasure,» she answered. They had dinner in a small restaurant in the city center.

They talked about work, plans, life. Eugene told about his divorce. His wife left for another, couldn’t forgive his excessive passion for work.

«I blamed myself for a long time,» he said. «Thought I was a bad husband. But then I realized we just didn’t fit each other.»

«I understand,» Paula answered. «I had a similar situation. My husband left for a young colleague.

Hurt?» «It hurt. But now I understand it was for the best. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met Mike, wouldn’t have changed my life.»

«Paula, can I ask a personal question?» «Of course. Have you ever thought about getting married again?» Paula looked into his eyes. There was sincerity, warmth, something more than friendly sympathy.

I have, she answered honestly. «But only if I meet a person who accepts me with all my circumstances. With the child, with Mike, with my work.

And if such a person is found? Then, perhaps, I’ll give him a chance.» Eugene reached out and gently touched her palm. «Paula, I don’t want to rush things.

But I want you to know, I’m ready to be that person.» Paula felt her heart beat faster. Could love appear in her life again? Real, mature love, based not on passion, but on understanding and respect.

«Eugene,» she said, «give me time. There are too many changes in my life right now.» «Of course.»

I’m not in a hurry. Mike moved in with Paula at the end of November. She prepared a room for him, bought new furniture, clothes, school supplies.

The boy was stunned—now all this belonged only to him. «Is this really my room?» he asked, examining the desk, bookshelves, bed with new bedding. «Yours,» Paula smiled.

«You can arrange it however you want. The first days were not easy.» Mike wasn’t used to home life, didn’t know how to behave in a family.

He was very cautious, afraid to break or spoil something, constantly asked permission for the simplest things. «Can I take an apple from the fridge?» «Mike, this is your home. You can take whatever you want.»

«And can I turn on the TV?» «Of course. Just don’t forget about homework.» Gradually, the boy got used to it…