Marina was 45 years old.
Some of her friends looked years younger. They took care of themselves: visited beauty salons, swam at the pool, hit the gym, and watched their diets. Appearance was their top priority.
The same couldn’t be said for Marina. At 18, she married Nicholas. She didn’t feel deep love for him. Six months later, he proposed, and the young couple tied the knot. At first, Marina didn’t notice how different they were. Nicholas loved spending his free time partying with friends—never without alcohol—and found home life boring. Marina, however, was refined and educated, unable to sleep without a book in hand. After graduating from a cultural institute, she landed a job at a library, though the pay was meager. Nicholas worked at a factory, but when orders dried up, management sent workers on unpaid leave. Life became tough for the young family, especially with a growing daughter. Nicholas started spending more time in the garage. Marina noticed money disappearing from her purse. She tried talking to him about finding extra work.
— Nick, why don’t you drive a taxi while the factory’s down?
— No way, I’m not doing that.
Marina wept bitterly; money was desperately short. Their daughter, Lucy, was often sick, requiring expensive medicine. There wasn’t enough for a family of three. A friend got Marina a cleaning job at a store.
Years passed, and things only got worse. Nicholas left the factory for construction work, but his crew’s jobs were irregular, so money trickled in unevenly.
Marina couldn’t even consider divorce. She feared what people would say, so she endured, crying at night.
— Nick, are you ever going to get a proper job? I’m working three places already. Aren’t you ashamed?
— Nobody’s forcing you to work. I don’t want to hear this again.
Marina realized she couldn’t change him.
When Marina turned 40, Lucy got married. They had to borrow money from friends for the wedding.
Soon, Marina saw, with a heavy heart, that Lucy was repeating her mother’s fate. Lucy’s husband, Ethan, started drinking and spoke harshly to his young wife. Life got even harder for Marina. Ethan didn’t work, and the couple had taken out a mortgage. Lucy continued her studies at a paid university program. Poor Marina had no time to care for herself, constantly thinking about where to find more work.
At 45, Marina’s life changed dramatically. As usual, she stopped by the supermarket one evening to buy groceries. With a full cart, she stood in line. Suddenly, two teenage girls tried to cut in front of her. Marina, who’d been waiting for 30 minutes, spoke up.
— Girls, have you no shame? Look, everyone’s waiting. Are you that special?
One of the girls turned around.
— Lady, be quiet. You retirees can stand in line all day, but we’re busy. You’ve got nothing else to do on your pension.
The words stung Marina.
At home, she stood before the mirror, studying herself critically. When was the last time she’d taken care of herself? She barely used cream on her face or hands, and only sporadically. She hadn’t dyed her hair; gray strands were creeping in. Wrinkles added years to her face. She bought cheap makeup, sometimes leaving the house without any, seeing no point in it.
From morning to night, she worked like a hamster on a wheel. Her wardrobe favored gray, brown, and black clothes—colors that hid dirt. She owned no pretty dresses. Shoes were a problem too; she stuck to flats and low-heeled pumps. Marina shopped at thrift stores and secondhand shops.
She caught herself thinking she was living like the heroine of the movie The Princess and the Pauper. In the film, the main character supported her pensioner mother, who gave her entire pension to a political party, a young son, a selfish grown daughter, and a lazy ex-husband.
Marina pushed away sad thoughts to avoid depression. She came home so exhausted that she could only cook and shower. Sometimes she fell asleep at the table.
Looking at her hands, she saw veins bulging from carrying heavy bags and daily hand-washing—she still hadn’t bought a washing machine. No manicure, of course; her nails were broken. She thought to herself:
“Are those girls right? Could I pass for a retiree? How did this happen? I used to be the prettiest girl in class—boys fought over who’d carry my bag. What’s wrong with me? How did I let myself go? I had golden hair, blue eyes, rosy skin… What’s happened to my looks? Maybe they’re right—I look like a pensioner.”
Marina cried.
Then, suddenly, she decided she wouldn’t let herself be hurt anymore. No more acting like a workhorse, slaving for three, or carrying two families without rest. By 45, she’d accumulated a host of health problems. She slept four hours a night. Dark circles framed her eyes, her face was gray—nothing good. What man would notice a woman like her? No one. Her former beauty was gone.
A plan formed in her mind.
“I need to change my life. I deserve better!”
Marina checked her wallet, which held a decent sum, and thought:
— No more buying wallpaper. I’m done!
The next morning, she woke up energized, hopeful for positive change. She decided to live for herself and called Lucy.
— Lucy, I get it. You married poorly. You need money for school, for the apartment. But I can’t keep working like a mule. I suggest you get a job, like me. You can study part-time. And if your husband’s no good, divorce him—don’t follow my example. You can’t undervalue your life, sacrificing for someone who doesn’t deserve you. Think about it!
Marina visited a beauty salon. Hesitating at the entrance, she nearly turned back.
“What’s the point? Maybe I shouldn’t…”
But she saw beautiful women leaving, thrilled with their transformations.
The receptionist noticed Marina’s unease and stepped in.
— Good afternoon! Come in, don’t be shy. Tea or coffee?
— No, thank you. It’s my first time here—I don’t know where to start.
The receptionist invited Marina to sit and left briefly.
She returned with a stylish woman.
— Hello, I’m Sarah, a hairstylist. How can I help?
— I’d like to dye my hair. And maybe get a haircut.
— Great.
Sarah began working her magic on Marina’s hair.
— What color would you like?
— Let’s go red, like the sun.
— Bold choice. Let’s do it.
In Sarah’s skilled hands, Marina became a different woman. She barely recognized herself in the mirror—a striking brunette stared back, though her face looked tired.
Sarah said:
— I’m handing you over to our esthetician. Sound good?
— Absolutely. Today, I’m making up for lost time.
Sarah laughed.
— Been a while since you visited a salon?
— You won’t believe it—I’ve never been.
— Don’t worry. You’re amazing for coming here.
The esthetician, Olivia, advised Marina on skincare and performed a few treatments. Next, Jane gave Marina a manicure and pedicure. Stylist Natalie applied daytime makeup.
The team gathered to show Marina before-and-after photos. She was stunned.
Leaving the salon, Marina felt like a beautiful woman. Men turned to look at her, and a smile lit up her face.
— I can still be happy! Next up: shopping!
Spotting a boutique, she checked her wallet and felt confident. She planned to splurge. Marina bought lingerie, stockings, two pairs of shoes, and three dresses. The clothes she’d worn to the store? She threw them out.
— That’s it! A new life awaits—one with no more tears or backbreaking work.
When Marina got home, Nicholas didn’t recognize her. He was lounging by the TV with a beer and some snacks.
— Why’d you dye your hair? Where’d you get that dress? How much did this cost?
— Don’t you like it?
— I don’t get it. What’s the point of this makeover? Money’s what matters—why waste it?
The doorbell rang. It was Lucy, confused by her mother’s earlier call. Crossing the threshold, she gasped.
— Mom, you’re unrecognizable! You’re gorgeous! You look years younger! How much did this cost?
— Let’s go to the kitchen.
— Mom, do you have a new man? You’re glowing…
— No, sweetheart. I just realized I’m a woman. I’ve never pampered myself, never bought anything nice. You go to the salon, get manicures every month, but today was my first time in a salon—ever. I’ve never felt this happy. Maybe only when I had you… I remember that day so clearly, becoming a mom… I’ll remember today forever, too. Not just because I changed my hair and bought clothes—starting today, I’ll live the way I want. I’m joining a pool and a gym. As for you, please take charge of your life. I’ll help with the grandkids you’ll give me. Talk to your husband seriously. Now, excuse me, I need to speak to your dad and head to an interview. I’m applying for a solid job—office work. No more cleaning stairwells or selling newspapers.
Marina saw Lucy out and approached Nicholas.
— Turn off the TV, please. We need to talk. I’m filing for divorce. You’re not working, and I’m done supporting you. I’m living for myself first now. For 20 years, I waited for you to get it together—enough. I’m off to find a job, and I suggest you do the same.
Nicholas stood silent. It hit him: Marina, who’d provided for him and kept their life comfortable, was leaving. How would he manage without her? She’d carried everything.
While Nicholas sat in shock, Marina walked down the street with confidence. She had no doubt the dark days were behind her. A well-paying job awaited, maybe even new love. These thoughts made her heart race with joy, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
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