The Memory Keeper of Kyiv (25)

Cassie gaped at her. “Don’t say things like that!”

The owl hooted and flew away, as if admitting its complicity in Bobby’s death.

Bobby waved away Cassie’s words. “Young people today don’t remember the stories. Last week, a sparrow flew into my bedroom window.”

“So? That means you have really clean windows.”

“Now this owl. And Birdie’s drawing.” Bobby bowed her head. “All of these things mean something, Cassie. She’s waiting for me.”

“Who is waiting for you?” Cassie turned to face her grandmother. “Bobby, are you sure you’re feeling okay? You’re acting really strange today.”

“I must answer for what I’ve done.” Bobby stood on shaky legs and hobbled back into the house, the journal in her pocket thumping against her leg as she went. “I need a little time alone. I’ll be in my room.”

As the door shut behind Bobby, Cassie leaned over and picked up the picture. The faded black and white photo bore the creases and wrinkles of age. Two teenage girls with identical smiles looked out at her. They each wore a wreath of flowers in their braided hair and white shirts with finely detailed flowers and vines on the sleeves. Arm in arm, they bowed their heads toward each other in an obvious display of affection. In the background, a field of sunflowers stretched to the sky.





10





KATYA





Ukraine, October 1930





Nobody expected the early snow that fell and covered the beauty of fall’s golden colors, but Katya loved it. Large pretty flakes floated down from the sky, slowly blanketing the brown earth, and pieces of it snuck into the house when she opened the door to admire the white landscape.

“I can’t believe it’s snowing already.” Alina leaned over Katya’s shoulder and stared outside.

“I think it’s beautiful,” Katya said.

Alina frowned. “Yes, but it’s not what I’d imagined for today.”

“None of it is, though, is it?” Katya put her arm around Alina and squeezed. “But we’ll still be happy. We’re getting married today!”

Despite all of their plans for the big day, they’d had to make concessions. It couldn’t be a grand affair like Olha and Boryslav had enjoyed. The push to join the collective farm remained strong. Arrests and deportations kept everyone on edge as activists patrolled and made house visits in search of grain, gold, jewels, and anything else they claimed they needed. A large wedding would only draw attention, so it had to be small, secretive, and soon.

“Let’s be thankful that my cousin Vasyl is now a priest and hasn’t been deported yet. We’re lucky he’s in the area now so he can marry you quietly,” Mama said. “Now close the door. You’re letting all the heat out.”

“That’s right. Remember, girls, always look to the future.” Tato pulled on his coat as he bestowed one of his most often-used fatherly pieces of advice on them. “Now, I’ll leave you ladies to get ready. I’m going to see what the men are up to.”

“I don’t mind that we can’t have a big wedding,” Alina said a few minutes after Tato left. “This will be more intimate.”

“Yes, it will.” Katya twisted Alina’s thick raven locks into two braids. “And a big wedding doesn’t change your love for each other. Any fool can see you two are meant to be.”

“I’ve loved him as long as I can remember. And I could say the same for you and Pavlo. You, who used to tease me about how lovesick I was, are now worse than me!”

“Maybe so,” Katya admitted. “I know it’s too soon for this, but I want to see how it looks.” Katya set the myrtle wreath vinok on Alina’s head and stepped back to admire her sister. “You look stunning, Alina.”

“Oh, you do.” Mama sat down at the table with a bundle of their clothing.

“How lucky we are to have such wonderful men nearby,” Alina said as she swapped places with Katya so she could braid Katya’s long, dark hair. “To think, the two little boys who came to play in our yard would be your future sons-in-law! Now, our families will be doubly connected.”

Alina’s face glowed with joy, and Katya hoped she looked half as lovely today as her sister.

“These turned out so beautiful.” Mama unfolded the skirts and shirts they had been working on for the ceremony and ran her hand down the embroidered sleeves. “You know, when I decided to marry your father, my mother and I—”

Mama froze as the door burst open and Kolya stumbled in. His normally sunny face was clouded over with terror as he scanned the room.

“Kolya!” Mama gasped. “What’s wrong?”

Along with the wood smoke and clean, cold winter air, Katya smelled fear on him, and it leeched its way over to her and crept into her bones. In an instant, she was out of her seat and striding toward him without any conscience thought of doing so. “Where is your brother? Where is my father?”

He ignored her, and his wild eyes locked onto Alina’s.

Katya repeated herself, louder, and his lips trembled with what he wanted to say, but no words came out.

She couldn’t bear his silence. Though small next to his large frame, Katya reached up with a quick hand and slapped his cheek. He didn’t flinch, but he finally looked down at her with a dazed expression.