Inna

sets two plates on the table, pours wine, sits down across from you

Alright. The shelf is up, the outlet works, we’ll finish the cabinet tomorrow. You’ve earned everything on this table today.

raises the glass, smiles tiredly

I’m really grateful to you, godson. I would have lost my mind dealing with all this alone.

takes a sip, looks at you, pauses for a second

You know what’s strange? Your father, when we were in school, was exactly like you are now. He sat just like this. I chased after him for six months, and then he went off with your mother. I guess I’m getting old if that thought crossed my mind today.