The Closing Chapter of a Once-Bustling Restaurant
Valery took one final stroll through his deserted restaurant’s hall. Having sent his entire staff home earlier that day, only a scant few ingredients remained inside. He resolved that within a couple of days, he would return to gather whatever was left and donate it to a nearby charitable shelter.
His eatery had operated for five years. Initially, it thrived—many patrons frequented the establishment, and it was well-appreciated. However, the landscape shifted drastically a year ago when a fast-food café opened nearby. Gradually, customers gravitated to this quicker, more affordable option, favoring its convenience over the sophisticated cuisine Valery offered. He had initially believed the fast-food trend would be momentary; after all, one cannot subsist solely on such meals indefinitely. Yet, the real issue proved different: clientele dwindled mainly because the head chef intended to relocate and ceased ensuring dish quality.
Regret filled Valery as he acknowledged he had long abandoned his habit of personally tasting new dishes prior to adding them to the menu. By the time he realized the quality declined, the restaurant had nearly emptied. Although he promptly dismissed the cooks, the damage was done—the tarnished reputation lingered. Valery attempted to take control of the kitchen himself; despite his culinary skills, he couldn’t reach the former standards.
Eventually, Valery faced a difficult choice—close the business or sell it. The loan he had secured at the start necessitated continuous income to repay. Opting to sell, he recognized the space now carried a heavy aura of neglect. Restoring order was essential to attract a potential buyer.
Outside in the yard, memories flooded back of waitresses gathering for smoking breaks, their laughter echoing toward his office overlooking the courtyard.
Suddenly, movement near a bush caught his attention, prompting him to approach.
“Hello, sorry…” a voice whispered from the foliage.
Before him stood a worried-looking woman accompanied by a little girl, around five years old.
“Why are you hiding here?” Valery inquired.
The woman exhaled deeply, “We didn’t know the restaurant had closed. Sometimes the girls would bring us food… We’ll leave now.”
Already stepping back, she was gently stopped by Valery.
“Wait. Do you have a permanent place to live?”
She offered a faint smile. “Not currently, but it’s temporary. I will find a way.”
Though he wanted to probe further, her eyes discouraged more questions.
“Which girls helped you?” he asked curiously.
“Are you planning to punish them?” she replied.
“No, just wondering. Was it Tamara, Olya, and Sveta?”
She nodded silently.
“Do you know how to clean and keep a place tidy?”
Surprised, she responded, “I believe everyone can manage that.”
“Then come with me,” Valery gestured toward the restaurant. “Everything here has fallen into disrepair. If you’d like, you can stay here for some time and help restore it. We have plenty of food left.”
“Can we cook?” she asked hopefully.
“As much as you need. I’ll leave you a key to the back door, so you can come and go freely. There’s a couch, pillow, and blanket in the office.”
Smiling, she promised, “Everything will shine again.”
Valery showed her the kitchen, the supplies, and cleaning tools. Before departing, he asked, “This may be personal, but you don’t seem like someone homeless.”
Lera, as she introduced herself, lowered her gaze. “My husband started seeing another woman; for the sake of his complete ‘family happiness,’ he disregarded our daughter. He cared only about appearances, not Rita. Unable to fight for my child, I left and now wander.”
Valery shook his head, recognizing a familiar tale, silently questioning, “Why do so many endure such treatment?”
Lera seemed to hear his unspoken doubt, reflecting, “He wasn’t always like this; maybe I was blind. We met when I was twenty. I had state-provided housing as an orphan. We sold it to buy a house, with his contribution too. Now, though, he has shelter, and I have nothing.”
Grasping the door handle, Valery said, “I won’t keep you longer. In my office desk drawer, there are business cards with a number. Call if you need anything.”
Lera softly touched his hand. “Why did you close the restaurant? It was popular and nice.”
Valery smiled sadly. “That’s how it happened. Betrayals come not only from lovers but friends and partners too. I need a few more weeks to find a buyer.”
Leaving, he realized they no longer felt like strangers. Their fate mattered to him now.
“In just a few days, a spark of hope began to kindle in a place once consumed by despair.”
Three days later, during another visit, Valery noticed a bustling atmosphere inside. Tables were neatly pushed against walls, curtains taken down for washing.
“They don’t seem to be relaxing here, but seriously engaged in work,” he remarked.
Lera appeared revitalized, her eyes bright with purpose.
“And lunch is even prepared?” Valery asked, surprised by the gracefully set table.
“There’s plenty of delicious food,” Lera replied shyly.
Little Rita helped lay out the plates, her tongue sticking out slightly in concentration. Watching them, Valery smiled warmly—it was, without a doubt, the best meal he had enjoyed lately.
“Did you ever study culinary arts?” he inquired.
Lera laughed softly, “Yes, I did. Honestly, if possible, I would spend all day cooking. Transforming simple ingredients into masterpieces is my passion.”
Valery sighed. “A shame we didn’t meet earlier. Together, we might have made this restaurant a real success.”
Lera studied him thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting not just worry but resilient hope—one that persists even in darkness. She sat at an old wooden table, where wine glasses once stood, now occupied by closing documents.
“Why not start anew?” she asked quietly yet confidently, causing an involuntary shiver in Valery.
He pondered, gazing at the empty hall once filled with music, laughter, and soft conversations—now resting in silence, too solemn.
“It’s too risky,” he responded cautiously. “A failure would plunge me into unmanageable debts. I can’t afford to stumble.”
Taking a steadying breath, Lera’s voice trembled, “It’s a pity… I always liked this place. My husband and I used to come here in our early years of marriage…” She paused, recalling better times filled with love and earnest promises. “Don’t worry; I’ll organize everything. Just give me a signal.”
Valery visited several more times but refrained from entering. Each thought of selling the restaurant struck his heart painfully, as though a part of his soul—laden with memories and warmth—was slipping away.
The Sale and an Unexpected Encounter
On the sale day, Valery, summoning courage, accompanied the buyer and assistants to the restaurant. The bank owner providing a significant loan was also present. All were serious, professional, prepared for negotiation.
They agreed to first inspect the premises before discussing price. However, upon opening the door, everyone was amazed. The place gleamed with spotless cleanliness, fresh flowers adorned side tables, and the air was tinged faintly with lemon and mint.
The banker, puzzled, asked, “Is this restaurant really closed? It feels like the finest operational location!”
“Today, we made an exception just for you,” Valery smiled subtly, inviting them to sit.
Walking to the kitchen, he saw little Rita drawing while a cartoon played nearby. Lera stood by the stove, stirring sauce carefully, her face pale and eyes wary.
“Is something wrong?” he inquired, concerned.
“Yes… Your ex-husband is among the guests—the man who tried to take my daughter away and left us homeless.”
“Which one?”
“The one in the blue suit.”
“Interesting,” Valery mused, “because he’s the buyer.”
“How did he secure funds to buy the restaurant?”
“He’s getting a loan. Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything myself so he won’t see you.”
Fifteen minutes later, the hall fell silent as everyone focused on eating. The dishes were extraordinary, each tasting like a carefully crafted work of art.
Finally, one guest exclaimed, “Oh my God, it’s so delicious I didn’t even realize how much I ate!”
The banker nodded approvingly and said, “If you choose to buy this restaurant, convince whoever cooked these dishes to stay. Finding someone of this caliber will be very difficult.”
All eyes turned to Valery, who hesitated, seemingly unsure what to say. At that moment, Lera entered the room. Her appearance was unexpected and almost theatrical.
“Hello,” she said softly, exuding surprising confidence.
The buyer sprang up, shocked, “Lera! What are you doing here?”
“I’m cooking here,” she replied calmly. “Please don’t shout.”
“How dare you? Since when can you do this?”
Lera shrugged, “Maybe since you brought another woman into our home? Or when you abandoned me and our daughter on the street?”
“You kidnapped my daughter!” the ex-husband barked.
The bank owner exchanged glances with Valery, who nodded. “I can explain if you want.”
The banker stood and declared calmly, “Sorry, but I don’t want to be involved with such people. The loan is denied.”
Valery smiled at the buyer, “I’ve reconsidered selling the restaurant. With this head chef, we will restore its glory.”
The buyer’s face flushed with anger, “You’ll regret this. And you, Lera. I’ll take your daughter from you. You have no money or home.”
Firmly, Valery answered, “You’re mistaken. Lera is now my fiancée, and I protect Rita.”
The ex-husband left, shooting a spiteful glance back, while Lera silently wept with relief. The bank owner smiled at Valery, saying, “I’m ready to provide you a loan on favorable terms. Just save a spot for me here.”
A New Beginning and Renewed Hope
Three months passed. The restaurant’s dining area retained its familiar cozy charm, but the kitchen underwent a complete transformation—equipped with modern technology, new recipes, and innovative ideas. Former waitresses who were able to return did so, and guests once again anticipated dining there.
The day before reopening, the kitchen buzzed with activity. Valery peeked inside a few times but was promptly told, “It’s important you don’t interfere.” He waited in the hall, observing the flawless setup. He knew this impeccable effort was thanks to Lera, who paid attention to every little detail.
Rita approached and chatted, “They don’t let you in there?”
“No, they don’t,” Valery sighed.
“Don’t feel bad—they don’t let me either,” she smiled, mimicking serious grown-up behavior. “When mom cooks, she sees no one else.”
Valery laughed gently. “Even you?”
“Even me,” Rita replied sincerely. “But I don’t mind. Mom’s passion is inspiring.”
Though Rita might not fully grasp all adult matters, her honesty and simplicity were priceless.
Lera and Rita now lived with Valery. He took them in after an unfortunate encounter with Lera’s ex-husband. Employing an experienced lawyer, Valery navigated the property division despite the ex’s interference. Unbeknownst to Lera until now, she officially became a free woman today as the ex transferred compensation for her apartment share to her account.
“Rita, how about some ice cream?” Valery suggested warmly.
“Yes! Just don’t let mom see—she always says sweets are bad at night,” the girl replied gleefully.
An hour later, Lera walked into the room, smiling as she watched Valery and Rita enjoy ice cream together. She noticed the empty container and nearly lost her voice:
“Are you crazy? You finished it all!”
Rita glanced quickly at Valery, giggled, and ran after him as he cheerfully headed to the door. Together, they walked to the embankment where Lera caught up, breathless, and walked alongside Valery.
Suddenly he stopped, smiling at her:
“You know, today you’re officially free. It’s all behind you. Maybe now you’ll be skeptical about marriage?” he teased.
“I don’t know; I haven’t thought about that,” Lera replied.
“Then consider it,” Valery said, turning her gently to himself and kissing her softly. “But don’t wait too long—I already bought a ring.”
In conclusion, this story illustrates resilience amid hardship, the rekindling of hope through unexpected alliances, and the courage to embrace new beginnings even when past trials weigh heavily. Valery and Lera’s journey reminds us that through compassion and determination, lost dreams can find revival and that a place once abandoned can again become a home filled with warmth and love.