Mikhaïl, a 23-year-old native of a northern rural settlement, grew up with an enduring passion for nature. Surrounded from childhood by dense forests rich in berries and mushrooms, intersected by a flowing river and vast meadows, his environment was serene yet often fraught with hardship due to his modest family’s scarcity.
His mother, Alexandra, embodied the ideal homemaker. Diligently managing farm chores, maintaining the household’s cleanliness, cooking nourishing meals, and tending the vegetable garden, she ensured their survival despite limited means.
In contrast, Piotr, Mikhaïl’s father, abstained from abusing his family but showed little concern for their welfare. His leisure revolved around drinking and playing cards or dominoes with friends. Occasional gambling losses led to debts, placing the parental responsibilities squarely on Alexandra’s shoulders.
Although Mikhaïl wasn’t the most diligent student, he remained dedicated enough to his studies to avoid his mother receiving complaints from teachers. Occasionally involved in schoolyard fights, he was capable of standing his ground. Upon completing his final year, Mikhaïl received his military summons and served his time, enduring a difficult year-long separation filled with longing, especially for Oksana, his high school sweetheart he had started dating in the first year. Oksana, a desirable young woman from an affluent background, maintained contact through letters, expressing her impatience and yearning for his return.
After his discharge, Mikhaïl trained as a truck driver and secured a stable, well-paying job hauling timber—an uncommon occupation in his village. Through a connection with a friend, also named Piotr, he earned a recommendation to a foreman and was hired legitimately, with no illegal activities involved.
One notable moment in his work involved rescuing a wolf pup. The animal’s mother had fallen victim while fighting a wild boar. Being alone and frightened, the orphaned pup would have perished without help. Mikhaïl took it home, naming it “Gris” due to the distinctive light mark on its forehead that served as a natural identifier when in the forest. As the wolf matured, it retained loyalty toward Mikhaïl, occasionally meeting him in the woods and allowing him gentle touches.
Key Insight: The bond between Mikhaïl and Gris underscores a rare harmony between humans and wildlife, rooted in trust and mutual rescue.
On the romantic front, Mikhaïl faced heartbreak. Oksana, upon returning to the city, abandoned him without explanation, choosing instead the company of a wealthy urbanite. Her mother had warned her against involvement with Mikhaïl, deeming his financial situation insufficient for a stable future. Following a cold silence and disregarded letters, Mikhaïl’s patience ended, and he refrained from publicly embarrassing himself by waiting at her window.
One summer evening, as dusk settled, Mikhaïl was on his final delivery of the day with his truck window lowered to enjoy the cool air. The road paralleled the forest, where suddenly, unsettling wolf howls rang out. The noise of the entire pack suggested they might have been caught in a poacher’s trap. Intrigued, Mikhaïl halted and discerned a faint female cry among the animal calls.
Armed with his old defense rifle—a necessity after past altercations with troublemakers—he cautiously advanced toward a clearing. There, perched fearfully upon a branch and surrounded by wolves stood a young woman. At her feet, Gris growled protectively to ward off the other wolves.
“Help!” the woman shouted upon seeing Mikhaïl. “They will tear me apart!”
Without hesitation, Mikhaïl fired warning shots into the air, successfully scattering the wolves. Approaching the woman, he praised Gris for his guard duty, warmly petting the wolf’s head.
Exhausted by her ordeal, the young woman fainted; Mikhaïl lifted her into his truck and began the journey home, confident that his mother’s care would ensure her recovery.
En route, she regained consciousness and thanked him quietly, revealing only her name: Alla. Mikhaïl noticed an injured scalp and bloodied hair but sensed she was too distressed to elaborate. Despite suggesting a doctor’s visit, Alla insisted the wound was minor and that rest was what she needed most.
“My parents will look after you and inform your family,” Mikhaïl reassured her.
At his home, Alexandra welcomed Alla with warm honey-linden tea and settled her in a guest room. Piotr showed unexpected sympathy. Alexandra assured Mikhaïl she would care for Alla while he resumed work.
Alla slept until midday the following day, after which she enjoyed the food and familiarized herself with the surroundings. Despite her urban upbringing, she embraced the simplicity of the wooden house and fresh garden produce with humility.
After a few days of convalescence, she opened up about her past:
- Her father was a businessman who raised her alone due to an absent mother.
- At 57, he remarried Svetlana, a woman younger by 14 years, confident she was uninterested in his wealth.
- Their coexistence was initially peaceful, with Svetlana staying out of Alla’s affairs.
- However, Svetlana grew suspiciously interested in the family business, mingling with employees to uncover corporate strategies.
- Alla confided her worries to her father, who appeared oblivious and content despite the circumstances.
- The previous year, her father died suddenly from a heart attack, which Alla suspected Svetlana’s involvement in, although lacking evidence.
- Post-funeral, Svetlana claimed control over the household, criticized Alla, rearranged the home, and initiated renovations to her taste.
- She introduced Alla to her younger lover, Denis, known as a con artist plotting to remove Alla to inherit everything.
Alla shared how Denis and Svetlana struck her unconscious and abandoned her in a wolf den deep within the forest, hoping predators would finish her. Witnessing Gris defend the den against the rest of the pack, she survived a second time thanks to the loyal wolf.
Alexandra expressed horror at the tale, while Piotr called for justice by apprehending the culprits. However, Alla doubted the effectiveness of the legal system due to the pair’s wealth and influence.
Early the next morning, Mikhaïl devised a plan. Pretending to have found Alla wounded in the forest, he contacted Svetlana.
— Is she awake? the distressed stepmother inquired.
— Not yet, Mikhaïl replied.
— Thank God! Where should I come to retrieve her? she asked.
Soon after, Svetlana arrived accompanied by Denis, unaware they were stepping into a trap. When she momentarily left the room to “prepare coffee,” Denis confided his intent to kill Alla that night. At that moment, Mikhaïl and the forest ranger appeared. Alla regained consciousness and accused the attackers. Panicked, they tried to escape, but Gris blocked the door, fiercely confronting Svetlana.
— I surrender! Denis begged.
— Stop this monster! Svetlana pleaded.
Cornered by fear, both confessed every detail. Although Svetlana initially denied her guilt, she eventually relented during the investigation. Legal proceedings followed.
— It’s over, Mikhaïl said, gripping Alla’s shoulder supportively.
Avec les larmes aux yeux, Alla murmura : « Je n’ai plus rien… Mon pauvre père… Comment vais-je vivre seule ? »
— I’m here, I will support you, Mikhaïl replied gently.
As days passed, their bond deepened. Once fully recovered, Alla accepted Mikhaïl’s invitation to the city.
— There are many things to enjoy; it will do you good!
— I’d like that, she smiled.
Together, they embraced their feelings anew and became a couple again. Alexandra and Piotr welcomed this genuine love, contrasting starkly with Svetlana’s false riches. Mikhaïl relocated to the city, worked in Alla’s family company while maintaining integrity, and pursued distance education.
Joyful and hopeful, they planned their wedding and regularly visited Mikhaïl’s parents every weekend, always bringing supplies and never missing a peaceful stroll through the forest with Gris, now a living emblem of their intertwined destinies.
In summary, Mikhaïl’s journey demonstrates resilience amid adversity, the power of compassion extending beyond species, and the triumph of authentic relationships over deceit and greed. The enduring friendship with Gris highlights nature’s role in healing and protection. Their story is a vivid portrayal of courage, loyalty, and the hopeful possibilities that arise when people stand together against injustice.