During the year 1977, spring graced the city of Ekaterinburg situated between the Volga-Ural region and Siberia. After the winter snow receded, the city has regained its vibrant pursuit with people from all walks of life striving for survival in the harsh conditions of the northern hemisphere.
In an apartment building (Khrushchyovka) in the residential area. Anastasia was making breakfast for everyone. She looked at the time and called out "Mikhail, could you please dress Nicolai for school and bring them for breakfast"
Alexei, who was getting ready for reporting to the military barracks, replied "Alright, just give me a few moments" and headed to Nicolai's room. When he opened the door, Nicolai came to hug his thighs tightly.
"Dad, are you going away again?" asked with a downhearted tone.
"Haaa...Yes, Nico. Dad will be gone for a while and I want you to look after your mom and sister" responded Alexei.
"But I won't have anyone to play with at home," Nicolai added.
Nicolai's statement made Alexei scratch his head and soon he thought of an idea and declared"Dad will bring you a special gift next time when I return from work. So, come on give me a hug and show me a smile"
"Really?" Nicolai looked unsure of what to do.
At this time Anastasia came carrying Olga and said " I don't know what you both father and son are up to but come have your breakfast and especially Nicolai since your teacher will be angry if you are late"
"Don't worry we won't be late, right Nico?" stated Alexei.
Nicolai nodded to his father "Then I'll wait for my gift dad" hugged him momentarily and ran towards the dining room.
Anastasia looked at Alexei and inquired " What gift are you talking about?"
Alexei smiled mischievously "Just an agreement between father and son, nothing to look here" and headed to join Nicolai.
"Yes yes, but don't spoil him too much" then followed Alexei.
After Mikhailovs had breakfast, Alexei took Nicolai to drop him off at the school bus and headed to work, while Anastasia took Olga to drop her off at nursery then did the same.
....
Alexei returned home from his military duties slightly before the beginning of spring 1978, he had been away for almost a year. Although he occasionally spoke to his family over the phone, he still yearned to spend more time with his family. He rang the doorbell while holding a cardboard box, there was a small gaping hole at the side of the box. If one paid attention, they would see two pairs of eyes looking through the holes. The door to the apartment opened and Alexei reached out with his free hand to hug Anastasia.
After their short intimate moment, Alexei asked "Where is Nicolai?" to which Anastasia responded "He was waiting for you for a long time before he fell asleep. Anyway, what is inside the box you are holding?"
Alexei simply answered "Gift for Nicolai as promised" and proceeded to open the box.
"Ah.. where did you find them?" Anastasia uttered a surprised tone and asked.
"They were scheduled to be euthanized after not meeting military standards, but I inquired about possible adoption and granted permission" Alexei replied while rubbing the puppy's head.
"Hmm, but how to raise them? We don't know much about raising dogs" mentioned Anastasia.
"Leave that to me, I have that covered.." replied Alexei and began to tell her about his friend in the military, who specializes in handling dogs, and how he has been taught handling dogs. Alexei assured her he would instruct Nicolai while helping him raise the puppies and Anastasia could only approve seeing Alexei's insistence.
Next Morning
Nicolai woke up to be greeted by the two Siberian puppies at his bedside, lying inside the box. He was overjoyed and kept running around the house with the huskies. Alexei and Anastasia watched Nicolai play with the dogs, the couple was happy to see Nicolai enjoying while Olga was chasing after his brother with dogs. Since it is the weekend, the family enjoyed the weekend going out to the city. While they were passing by the Iset river in the city center, Nicolai saw a huge building being demolished and asked his parents"What is that building?"
Upon hearing Nicolai's question, Alexei and Anastasia glanced at the now-demolished building then at each other perplexed. Then Alexei thought about it and replied "When you grow up, I will tell you." Nicolai just nodded and diverted his mind elsewhere. While the family passed by the site, in the rubble of the demolished building lay a sign reading 'Dom Ipat'yeva'.
….
It has been a week or so since Alexei returned and took Nicolai with him to nearby farmland. Their neighbor's farm tractor malfunctioned; as a result, Alexei was asked for help which he readily agreed. Alexei was tinkering with the machine while Nicolai was helping him at the same time, paying close attention to how his father worked. Nicolai asked, "Dad, how did you know to fix machines?"
Alexei cleaned himself of all the grease and sweat and replied "I know it for the reason that I studied a lot, so you make sure you do the same. Nicolai stared at Alexei and asked again "So I can repair tractors when I study hard. Alexei just laughed out loud hearing the reply and responded "Haha.. you not only can repair tractors but also repair cars, airplanes, and many other machines. Besides, if you study really hard you can also make new machines. Do you understand?" while ruffling Nicolai's hair.
"Hmm... So dad, what machines did you make?" Nicolai questioned.
Alexei thought for a while and replied "I will show you when we get back home."
"Alright!"Nicolai was delighted to hear his father's response.
….
Following that, the Mikhailov family life became very eventful; Nicolai would accompany Alexei to properly raise Ruzik and Mishka, the pair of Siberian huskies. He, along with Alexei would also tinker with the household tools; his interest grew as time passed by and he would solicit his father to teach him about various 18th-century & 19th-century inventions and discoveries, while Alexei being passionate about them himself happily obliged. Nicolai was also doing well in his studies and was praised by his teachers at school. Henceforth, Nicolai along with his family lived joyous years of tranquility and time passing like sand in a closed fist. However dark clouds floated around the family in the year 1982.
(End)