Marina was always an ordinary girl who never really stood out from her peers. At school and when playing, she was on the same level as everyone else. Her dreams changed with her age: in kindergarten she dreamed of a beautiful doll, in elementary school of an elegant dress like her friend’s, and later of a prince and romantic love.
Her greatest supporters in making Marina’s dreams come true were her beloved grandfather Stepan and her mother. These two made up Marina’s world and were the people closest to her. Her grandfather was known in the area as a forest ranger of principle and impeccable reputation.
During his long years of service, he never dealt with poachers, which earned him the respect of the regional authorities. Her mother milked cows and led a rather secluded life, avoiding contact with the other villagers.
The reason for Olga’s behavior did not lie in her appearance—in fact, she had fine features, a slender figure, and long hair. The problem was that Olga had limped since birth.
After finishing school, she decided to move to the city to work and quickly found a position in a grocery store. The modest salary was enough to rent a room in a dormitory and lead a simple life; she could even save a little. She thought that in a big city, no one would notice her limp.
After six months on the job, she met Sergei. The young man came into the store often, and during breaks they had long conversations about various topics.
Olga’s heart beat for him, but she had no illusions. She was surprised when he asked her out on a date. Their relationship became more serious, and the young woman was happy.
A few months into their passionate romance, Olga began to feel unwell. The doctor quickly diagnosed her—she was pregnant. Olga hesitated a long time before telling Sergei, but when she finally did, his reaction was unexpected.
“Have you gone mad? A child?” he screamed. “Do you understand how I’ll look with you, a limping woman? Are you trying to trap me? If it’s true, get rid of it.”
Then he slammed the door, and she never saw him again. That night Olga didn’t sleep—she cried until she was exhausted. It was too late for an abortion, and the doctor told her she would have to carry the child to term. She worked a while longer until her boss noticed her condition, then she packed her things and went home to her father.
Why wouldn’t Stepan take in his only daughter after his wife’s death? During the birth, doctors injured one of the baby’s joints while saving its life.
Still, the grandfather decided to raise his granddaughter himself. The village gossip only poured fuel on the fire.
“Olga limps and came back with a child,” the neighbors whispered. “Why did she go to the city? To earn money for surgery?” others repeated.
At that time, the young woman wanted to run away anywhere. But where could she find refuge if not with her father? After giving birth, she milked cows at the local farm. Her father helped care for the baby while she worked.
Her daughter grew quickly. The grandfather loved to take her into the forest and teach her love for nature. One day, when Marina was in high school, they heard terrible cries.
“Someone needs help,” said the grandfather. “Let’s hurry!”
The sounds came from the swamp. There they found a small wolf pup sitting on a stump in the middle of the marsh. The ranger quickly freed it, and Marina took off her coat and wrapped the animal in it. She named him Bolotny, or simply Bol.
The wolf pup became Marina’s loyal friend. Whenever she wanted to leave the house, he howled and begged her to take him along, then lay by the door to guard the house. He growled at strangers and protected his mistress.
When Marina left for the city after school, everyone feared the wolf wouldn’t survive the separation. For a week he ate almost nothing and stared sadly down the road.
In the city, the young woman quickly found work as a maid through an agency. Her dream was to enroll in distance studies and become an accountant.
She had loved numbers since she was a child, but for a simple country girl it was impossible to get on the waiting list. She decided to earn enough money in a year to pay for the studies.
A young man immediately recognized who was behind everything and decided to convince Marina to report the culprits. He tried to explain to his beloved that the rejected bride would not calm down and would see her goal through.
The guilty party was punished by law. Maksim and Marina married and celebrated the wedding in the ranger’s house. From then on, the whole village celebrated this happy event and wished the young couple a long life.
One year later, the couple had two delightful boys, and not long after, they welcomed the wolf with joyful laughter. By then, he was the children’s favorite.
Since then, happiness has moved into the ranger’s cabin, filling it with love.
