Catherine woke up to some noise. Stretching, the woman looked out the window. The blizzard that had started late in the evening was howling even more fiercely. Kate turned over to the other side, wrapped herself head to toe in a warm blanket, and closed her eyes.
Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door.
“Must be someone’s fallen ill,” she thought, stepping onto the cold floor.
— Who’s there? — she called through the door.
— Catherine! It’s me, Mr. Mitchell! — shouted the village chairman.
The woman threw on a shawl and opened the door.
— Sorry to disturb you in the middle of the night, Katie. They called from the neighboring village—there’s a child who’s very sick. We need your help! — said the gray-haired man.
— Alright. I’ll get dressed and head out!
— That’s not all! My car won’t start, of all times. What do we do? How will we get there?
Catherine thought for a moment and waved her hand dismissively:
— Fine, I’ll take Bella. Go home, I’ll manage!
— Aren’t you scared to ride alone with a horse at night? What if wolves attack? — the chairman asked, concerned.
— Wolves? Where have you seen wolves around here? — Kate laughed. — Go on, you’re just holding me up!
— Alright, no arguing with you. When you get to the village, look for the third house on the left—you’ll see the light on. They’re waiting for you! — the man explained.
The woman led her spirited mare out of the stable, locked the door, and set off. Bella snorted disapprovingly but didn’t dare disobey her beloved owner and trotted obediently along the snowy road.
— Don’t be upset, my dear. There’s a sick child, and Mr. Mitchell’s car broke down, — Catherine explained.
Bella seemed to understand that her owner hadn’t dragged her out of the warm stable in the middle of the night for no reason. The mare shook her mane and picked up her pace.
Catherine worked as the local paramedic. The young woman loved her job and never refused to help people, always ready to come to their aid, day or night.
Five years ago, she had to leave her home village. At the time, the young woman was going through a personal tragedy. The man she loved had run off just days before their wedding. Two months later, Kate learned that Anthony had married someone else and moved to the North.
After finishing her studies, Catherine returned to her hometown. This was where she grew up, where her friends and family remained, while in the city, Kate felt like a complete stranger.
As she rode into the small village, Catherine immediately spotted a little house with its lights on. Entering the yard, she tied the horse to a tree, grabbed her medical bag, and knocked on the door. A worried man appeared on the doorstep.
— Good evening! Are you the doctor? Please, come in, we’ve been waiting for you!
Kate quickly shed her coat in the entryway and stepped into the room. Seeing the homeowner in the light, Catherine paled and was momentarily speechless.
— Anthony? What are you doing here? — the words slipped out.
— Kate? Where did you come from? — he replied, question for question.
— Where’s the patient? Or did you make this up? — she asked sternly, regaining her composure.
— In the bedroom, — the man said quietly.
Catherine entered the small room and saw a boy, about five years old, lying in bed. He had a fever and was muttering restlessly in his sleep. After examining him, Kate left some medicine and headed for the door.
— The boy has a common cold. I’ve given him an injection, and the fever should go down soon. Everything he needs to take is on the table, along with a treatment schedule. Oh, and have his mother apply mustard plasters in the morning, — Catherine said, keeping her head down.
— Unfortunately, George doesn’t have a mother… — Anthony said.
— Then you do it! — she replied.
— Kate, will you ever forgive me? Back then, I was young and foolish. I don’t know how I could’ve done that to you, — Anthony began to explain.
— I forgave and forgot long ago! — she tried to smile. — Sorry, but I don’t have time to chat. My horse is standing out in the cold!
— I’ll walk you out! — Anthony rushed to the door.
— No need! Go back to your son. I’ll find my way, — Catherine said, stepping outside.
Only in the yard did Kate let her tears fall. As it turned out, the old wound hadn’t healed—she still loved Anthony. Bella saw her distressed owner and began pawing the snow anxiously.
— My sweet girl, you feel everything, don’t you? Don’t take it to heart, we’ll be alright! — Kate whispered, mounting the horse.
Bella had been a gift from her father. Since childhood, Kate had been fascinated by horses, spending all her free time at the stables. Their free spirit and gentle nature drew her in. Kate was certain that Bella understood her and shared in her troubles and sorrows.
A few days later, Christmas Eve arrived. Kate had finished dinner and was gazing out the snowy window. A sudden knock at the door pulled her from her melancholy thoughts.
“Probably some kids caroling,” she smiled, opening the door. But there stood Anthony with his son.
— What are you doing here with a sick boy?! — she exclaimed, surprised.
— Katie, sorry for showing up at your place. We went to the clinic, but it’s already closed… So, I decided to bother you at home.
— Of course it’s closed! It’s late evening, didn’t you notice? Alright, what’s wrong? Is George feeling unwell again? — the paramedic asked.
— Knock on wood, he seems fine, — Anthony tapped the doorframe.
— We came for a check-up. Just in case he hasn’t fully recovered… Sorry, we’ll come back tomorrow.
— Wait! Come inside, no need to drag the boy back and forth in the cold. I’ll take a look at him.
Catherine listened to the boy’s breathing and checked his throat.
— How are you feeling? Eating well? — she smiled at the child.
— I feel good and I’m really hungry. Do you have any bread? — George asked.
— Of course I do! Anthony, are you not feeding your son?
— I feed him. It’s just that we worked up an appetite on the way here. George! Stop begging. We’ll eat at home! — Anthony said.
— Come to the table. Let’s have dinner together. It’s Christmas Eve, after all, — Kate invited.
Anthony and his son didn’t refuse and quickly joined her at the table. The boy devoured pies, washing them down with warm tea.
— Thank you! It’s delicious! My dad can’t cook like this… — he thanked the host.
— Can I go look at the Christmas tree? — Sure, George. There are some tasty candies hanging on it, you can take them, — Kate smiled.
The boy ran to the tree, and silence fell over the table. Kate and Anthony ate quietly, afraid to meet each other’s eyes.
Over the past six years, Anthony had changed for the better. He’d matured and become even more handsome.
— You haven’t changed at all, Katie. Still as delicate and beautiful, — Anthony said in a warm voice.
— Maybe… But my heart’s grown harder. I’m not the naive girl you once knew, — Kate lifted her eyes and looked at him intently.
— So you haven’t forgiven me… Katie, I’m so sorry for what I did. Let me at least explain now.
— How do you explain or justify betrayal? — she smirked.
— My mistake was cheating on you with another woman. You see, a month later, Irene started blackmailing me with her pregnancy. She threatened to go to the police and make a scandal for the whole town. I caved and gave in. I tried to tell you the truth back then, but I didn’t have the courage. I never had feelings for her. Her father had power back then and could’ve easily had me locked up. I was young and scared, — Anthony said sincerely.
— Where’s Irene now? Why are you alone with the child? — Kate asked quietly.
— She’s gone. It just happened… I’m a widower, — Anthony whispered.
A heavy silence filled the house again. Kate didn’t know what to say. Or rather, she wanted to say so much, to shout to the world that she loved him, loved him even more than before… But bitter resentment choked her, keeping her silent.
— Kate, please, forgive me if you can. I’ll beg on my knees if you want. Understand, I’m not living without you, just existing. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and regret that terrible mistake. If you tell me to leave now, I’ll go and never bother you again. Please, think carefully before you answer!
In that moment, two feelings battled in Kate’s heart. Her inner voice screamed to say, “Stay, don’t leave, I can’t live without you either,” but pride and hurt wouldn’t let her speak.
— Leave, — she whispered softly.
Anthony frowned and went to get George. Kate followed and saw the boy curled up, fast asleep on the bed.
— George! Are you asleep? — Anthony whispered.
— Shh, don’t wake him. Stay here… — Kate gave in.
Kate looked at the man she loved and laughed. Covering the boy with a warm blanket, she left the room. Anthony approached her and wrapped her in his arms:
— Thank you, my love. I was so afraid you’d send me away without listening or forgiving.
— Thank George! — Kate smiled.
The woman was happy. No matter what had happened, no matter the trials life had thrown her way, she had managed to overcome her pride and pain for the sake of a great love, without which life loses its color.
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