A Friday evening surprise

You return home sometime past five. Later than most, but sooner than usual for you. The envelope of money feels heavy in your pocket, but not in a negative way. Many men may feel bad about joining a glorified gang just to earn cash, but for you, it is freedom. The envelope represents that.

The street outside your house seems brighter than usual, the grime and decay that had built up due to an overburdened city infrastructure going unnoticed by your heightened spirit. A faint breeze eases down the street alongside you, shaking the few trees planted along the sidewalk with its touch. You stop for a moment and watch the branches sway in the air, enjoying the sensation of the wind against your own skin.

Eventually, you reach your brownstone. The dilapidated building seems a little less worn, a little less depressing, but you still sigh at the sight of it. It is time for a change, you realize. With Mia here, and considering the changes in your life, you need to do better. No longer burdened by multiple jobs and hellish hours, you have no excuse.

Your resolve hardening towards the thought, you slide your key into the front door of your home and turn the lock. The door swings inwards on squeaking hinges and you hear a voice chatting in the living room.

"Mia, we already told you you can stay here. You don't have to worry about that. Our home is your home." Nadia's accented voice carries a warm tone, something you're still accustoming to.

"Mom, it's not a big deal. She just wants to help." Karina, your daughter.

Curious as to what they're discussing, you walk into the living room. Nadia sits on the couch, facing away from you, while Karina and Mia stand across from her in front of the television.

"What's going on?" you ask, causing your wife's head to turn at your voice. Your daughter and her friend's eyes are alight as they meet yours, and the two girls nearly sprint around the couch to wrap you in a warm hug. Nadia joins them shortly after, planting a kiss on your cheek in welcome.

"Mia wants to pay rent using the money she makes at the coffee shop. I told her we would not accept it," your wife answers. She wears a worn cotton tee shirt and a pair of athletic Nike shorts, a casual outfit. Karina and Mia wear similar outfits.

You cock an eyebrow at Mia, and she smiles. "I need to do my part," she answers, her words lined with an edge of confidence that was not there only a few weeks ago.

"Absolutely not. Continue working if you want to, but I will not accept money from you. No arguments," you answer, looking between each of the women in front of you.

"But... the money could help us, right? You wouldn't have to work as much?" Karina asks, her face wrenched in confusion. The argument suddenly makes sense when framed that way--the girls want to spend more time with you, and helping with money is one way they think they can.

You chuckle at the thought.

"Don't worry, dear. Money is swiftly becoming a non-issue. In fact, I have some news to share. Based on the recent changes at work and my plans with Uncle Ivan, plus the charity we received for grandpa's debt, we're actually doing well. Very well."

Nadia smiles in response, while the girls look at each other and share a grin.

"So well, in fact, that I think it is time we discuss moving to a better place."

Nadia's eyebrows raise in sudden surprise. "Lev, move? To where? We've been here for years."

You raise your arms around you, taking in the room. "And look at it. This house is old and worn down. We're out of space. We could get an apartment or a newer townhome. Despite its age, this house should be worth a good bit."

"I don't want to move," Karian interjects before Nadia can respond. "This is my home, and I don't want to leave it."

You're surprised at your daughter's outburst. You thought that out of everyone, she would be the happiest about moving. You're more surprised to see Nadia's head shaking in agreement.

"I agree, Lev. This is our home. Must we move?"

Mia stays quiet, listening to the discussion.

"Well, no," you answer. "Honestly, I thought you girls would be excited. But we can stay here, if you'd prefer that."

"What if we just fixed this house up instead?" Karina asks, looking around. "New paint, new furniture, and so on."

"And the lack of space?" you respond.

"We could finish the attic, like we talked about forever ago," Nadia answers. "We could split it into a new bedroom for Mia, a second bathroom, and a spare room for storage. We would have plenty of space, then."

You nod along, thinking through the idea. "It wouldn't be cheap, but it would mean we could stay here. We would need to find some contractors to do the work. Maybe Ivan knows someone. Let me give him a call."

Karina and Mia's excited grins return, and Nadia nods. You dial your uncle on your cell phone, waiting a few moments until he picks up.

"Lev, what's up?"

"Hey, Uncle. I was wondering if you could suggest some trustworthy contractors to do some work at my house. I was thinking of moving, but we're now planning to do some renovations and stay here instead. I don't know what all we need to do, only that it's a lot of work."

"Sure, I have just the guy. I'll text you his phone number."

"Thanks, Uncle."

"See you, Lev."

Click.

"Well, that was easy," you murmur. Your phone vibrates, and you see the text message with a phone number and name on it. Alexei Molochav. While the thought is present in your mind, you send Alexei a text message with some information about yourself and what you're looking to do. As you slide your phone back into your pocket, you look up to see the girls watching you expectantly.

"I texted the contractor. We'll see what he responds with. Now, what's for dinner?"