Psychologist series
Ukrainian story
Russian story
What could be better than a cup of strong, aromatic coffee early in the morning? Especially when it's served right in bed with fluffy croissants and dainty jam? And to hell with the diet and figure!
Besides, Natalie had a few pretty good ideas up her sleeve for burning off those extra calories, like indulging in some passionate lovemaking. Not right after breakfast, of course. Later, closer to nightfall...
"I'm no master chef, but the coffee's not so bad," Artem said with a tight smile, settling down beside her with his own cup and a croissant he'd already taken a bite of. "The pastries, though—those are the real deal! Got them fresh from the café nearby. Still warm..."
The croissants were indeed exceptional: warm, with a crispy crust, they captivated with the aroma of freshly baked dough, awakening her appetite (already heightened after a passionate night). Natalie eagerly sank her teeth into the delicate pastry and even closed her eyes in delight. She had a knack for enjoying simple pleasures—delicious food, an idled conversation, a leisurely TV show before bed... It was an art she practiced and tried to pass on to her clients (though not always with success).
"Who would have thought a taxi driver could be such a gallant gentleman?" Natalie remarked, taking a sip of the scalding coffee. "Don't get me wrong... I have nothing against taxi drivers; it's just that these days, you rarely find a man who brings a lady coffee to bed."
Artem slung an arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.
"Well, I don’t bring coffee to bed for just any friend," he admitted with a soft laugh. "Only the most special... and the most beautiful!"
"The most special and beautiful" one smirked.
"Noted! Compliment accepted… and coffee with croissants? That’s a foolproof move. Works every time!"
"It's tough dealing with a psychologist," Artem said with a mock groan, kissing her temple. "You know everything!"
"Yep, we psychologists are harder to fool," Natalie quipped back, matching his tone. "We see through everything and read between the lines!"
They met a couple of weeks ago when Artem was doing his usual job as a taxi driver, giving her a ride home. Normally, Natalie couldn’t stand chatty drivers, but this one was an exception—she found him utterly charming. So much so that she gave him her phone number… practically shoved it into his hands, to be completely honest.
Of course, Artem wasn’t someone she’d consider for a serious relationship (at least not with her), but Natalie wasn’t looking for anything serious anyway. She wanted something lighthearted… a love affair without strings attached, something free and easy. And for that, he was the perfect choice!
With his rugged looks—a dark-haired man of average height, toned just enough—he had his own appeal, especially in lovemaking. Outside of that, though, he and Natalie didn’t have much in common.
But that didn’t matter because most of their time together was spent in the bedroom anyway. And in that department, they had a complete understanding of each other!
“Well, I need to get going,” Natalie said with a sigh, setting aside her empty plate and gently freeing herself from Artem’s embrace. “I still have to get myself ready before my first session with a client.”
“Cancel it?” he suggested lazily, sprawled out on the bed and watching as she slowly got dressed, slipping on one piece of clothing after another over her stunning, curvaceous body.
“I can’t,” Natalie replied with a shrug, buttoning up her blouse over her full chest. She could’ve said, “I don’t want to,” because, truthfully, she wasn’t eager to spend the whole day with Artem. She wasn’t horny anymore, her physical hunger was satisfied for now… and he couldn’t meet her intellectual or emotional needs, no matter how hard he might try. They were just too different… with entirely mismatched tastes and interests.
“Why can’t you?” Artem argued, making no effort to get up. “You work for yourself… you don’t have a boss. You can skip it if you want.”
Natalie suppressed a smirk and didn’t bother responding. Instead, she pulled out her compact mirror. There wasn’t enough time for a full makeup routine, but she wasn’t one to leave the house with a completely “bare” face. A quick touch of powder, a swipe of gloss on her lips, mascara on her lashes, and she’d look just right. She could take care of the rest later, at home.
“Am I wrong?” Artem pressed, lounging lazily on the bed, completely unbothered by his own nakedness. Reclined in a relaxed pose, he watched with detached curiosity as Natalie transformed—slowly shedding the tousled, passionate look of a lover to reveal a polished, glamorous woman.
“Yes, you’re wrong,” Natalie finally said, tucking the compact back into her purse. “Sure, I work for myself… but also for my professional reputation. I can’t afford to risk it.” She shrugged and added firmly, “Plus, every client means money. And I could always use more of that.”
That last point struck a chord with Artem. Nodding, he reluctantly forced himself to sit up. He didn’t feel like getting out of bed, but lying around all day wasn’t an option either. Besides, seeing Natalie off wouldn’t hurt.
“Yeah, no one ever says no to money,” he admitted, reaching for his pants. “Alright, then. Go ahead… I’ll give you a call tonight.”
“Deal,” Natalie replied with a distracted smile. Her thoughts were already miles away.
* * *
Natalie couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness as she reminisced about the days when clients would visit her office in Kyiv, Ukraine—back when they came in person without any need for virtual gimmicks. Everything changed with the coronavirus, which forced her to start working online.
And then the war began… The move to Poland further restricted her opportunities. Natalie had no illusions about being able to counsel Poles—she lacked an understanding of their culture and values, and her language skills weren’t up to par. That left her with Ukrainians as her primary clients. Alas, with so many of them scattered across the globe, the online format became unavoidable.
Today was no exception—she had five clients lined up, and every session would be online. What choice did she have? If you want to survive, you adapt.
First on the list was a woman named Anna Mykytiuk, a new potential client living in Kyiv.
“Tell me about your issue,” Natalie prompted, studying Anna as closely as her laptop camera would allow. “What brought you to me?”
Anna appeared to be an attractive woman, around 35 years old—slim, fair-skinned, with light brown hair, and moderately well-groomed. It was hard to say more, especially with so many miles between them.
“I have a rather unusual request,” Anna began. Catching Natalie’s surprised look, she quickly added, “I’m willing to pay double if you agree!”
Such an opening didn’t bode well, and Natalie couldn’t help but tense up.
“What exactly are we talking about?” Natalie asked cautiously after a brief pause. “What kind of request?”
“Talk to my sister, Tanya Mykytiuk. We’ll pass through Poland next week, and she’s agreed to meet with you.”
Natalie frowned.
“And why didn’t she contact me herself?”
“Because it took a lot of convincing to get her to agree to speak with you even once,” Anna admitted reluctantly, suppressing a sigh. “She doesn’t think she needs a psychologist…”
“If that’s the case, I won’t be able to help her,” Natalie said, shaking her head. “The person has to want to accept help. Without that, it won’t work.”
“I understand!” Anna assured her, color rising in her pale cheeks. “And I’m not expecting anything more than a conversation. Please! Just one hour… I’ll pay double—or even triple.”
“I’m not sure about double, but the rate will definitely be higher,” Natalie nodded. “The harder the task, the higher the cost.”
After all, why not earn more if the opportunity presented itself?
“Absolutely!” Anna said quickly. “I’ll pay whatever you ask. Just talk to her… please,” she added, a note of desperation in her voice.
Natalie’s eyebrows arched, almost disappearing into her hairline. What on earth had happened to Anna’s enigmatic sister?
She decided to voice the question, though she framed it more carefully:
“Can you give me a quick overview of the issue? I need to know if it’s something I can help you with.”
“I’m really worried about my older sister…”
“I understand that,” Natalie said with a nod, though her patience was starting to wear thin. “But what exactly are you worried about?”
Anna hesitated, clearly searching for the right words. Natalie could practically see her sifting through sentences in her head, trying to shape her thoughts.
“Well, Tanya isn’t exactly young anymore… she’s in her early 40s… and she’s been alone for a long time. I think that’s why her behavior has become, um… a little strange.”
“Wait, wait, stop right there!” Natalie cut the client off firmly, frowning in displeasure. “I see where this is going. You disapprove of your sister’s partner. Sorry, but I don’t take on cases like that. It’s a matter of principle.”
“No, no, it’s not about that!” Anna protested, her face flushing even deeper. “I mean, I don’t particularly like her Andrey (to be fair, not many people do), but they’ve been together for over five years. Maybe seven—I don’t even remember. I kept quiet… put up with him, even though he’s rude.”
“So what’s changed?” Natalie asked, unable to hide her curiosity. She probably should have ended the session, but she genuinely wanted to know how the story would unfold. What could have driven Anna to offer triple the fee for a conversation with her sister—a conversation that, in all likelihood, wouldn’t yield any promising results?
“I found out something about… well, the nature of their relationship. And it’s not just me—there’s been some buzz about it. Half the internet is talking.”
“What do you mean, half the internet?” the psychologist asked, surprised.
“Well, I might be exaggerating,” Anna admitted with a nervous laugh. “But still… Tanya’s a blogger, almost an influencer. She is fairly well-known, let’s say—popular in certain circles. In her livestreams, she talks about Ukrainian culture, our history, and that kind of thing. She’s got her own audience—a decent and pretty loyal one.”
“And this audience discovered something about the nature of Tanya’s relationship with Andrey, her boyfriend. Is that what you’re saying?” Natalie pressed.
“Yes, exactly,” Anna confirmed grimly. “One of her followers shared screenshots of a chat with that guy… Andrey. They met on Tinder. You know what Tinder is, right?”
“I don’t live on the moon, so yes, I do,” Natalie replied coolly. “It’s a popular dating app.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,” Anna said, flustered. “Anyway, Andrey tried to pressure this girl into… well, sex—and he wasn’t exactly subtle about it. The thing is, she knows who he is! She knows he’s close to my Tanya…”
“How does she know that? Is he a blogger, too?”
“Yes, he is, but not as popular as Tanya,” Anna replied with a note of disdain in her voice. “Honestly, I think he’s a little jealous of her success… her demand. Tanya’s been trying to help him, which is why they occasionally do livestreams together. So her followers are familiar with him—virtually, at least.”
“I see,” Natalie nodded. “So Andrey met this girl on Tinder, and it turns out she’s one of your sister’s followers. She recognized him and realized he was not exactly single. Is that right?”
“Yep,” Anna said grimly. “The follower was furious and ended up posting their chat. Like I said, it’s gotten some attention… and, well… not in a good way.”
“And your Tanya forgave him, I take it?” the psychologist guessed. “And you’re not okay with that?”
“If only she just forgave him! It’s so much worse!” Anna practically groaned. “She went and announced to everyone that they were in some sort of open relationship! No commitments whatsoever! Can you believe that?”
Anna searched Natalie’s face, clearly hoping to see some hint of outrage… but Natalie remained unfazed. She’d heard far wilder stories from her clients. Open relationships didn’t exactly shock her.
“So, they’re practicing some form of polygamy, is that right?” Natalie asked matter-of-factly.
“Well, as far as I understand, yes. They’re allowed to… you know… fool around with other people, but only if it’s purely physical. Emotionally and spiritually, they’re supposedly faithful to each other. I find it completely insane…”
For Natalie, it didn’t sound insane. After all, her own life had room for “open” relationships. Take Artem, for example—the man whose bed she’d left earlier that morning. Their connection was exactly that: a no-strings-attached arrangement, free from any obligations.
“Maybe Tanya just wanted to save face,” Natalie suggested, shrugging. “She might’ve been trying to smooth things over and avoid escalating the scandal.”
“I thought that too at first, but no,” Anna said, shaking her head. “Tanya and I talked about it a lot… after the scandal. And honestly, I got the impression she actually believes in her theory.”
“Theory?”
“Well… her theory about open love. She thinks any kind of love tied down by obligations is doomed from the start. That kind of feeling just doesn’t last.”
Natalie furrowed her brows thoughtfully, turning the idea over in her mind. Love without obligations has no expiration date—was that it? That’s an interesting hypothesis. Maybe there was some truth to it.
“I’m afraid there’s not much you can do,” Natalie said after a pause. “If that’s your sister’s belief… well, she’s entitled to her own opinion, even if it doesn’t align with yours. I understand you don’t like her perspective, but this is something you’ll have to come to terms with.”
“I would accept it if things were actually how she claims!” Anna snapped, her face flushed as her thin brows knitted together in frustration. “But in reality, it’s only Andrey sleeping around… and as far as I can tell, she’s completely faithful to him. Sure, in theory, she could cheat on him—she has the right—but in practice, she doesn’t.”
“That’s her choice,” Natalie replied with a shrug. “Her decision. She’s a free person.”
“But it’s not fair!”
“Life isn’t exactly a fair game,” the psychologist said softly, a touch of sadness in her voice as she suppressed a sigh. “And unfortunately, that’s something you’ll have to come to terms with, too. Not just you—all of us.”
Anna glared at her, her scowling expression and downcast eyes instantly aging her. The change robbed her of much of her natural attractiveness, making her seem older and more severe.
“But I don’t want to accept this! I can’t just sit back and let it happen! I want to help her… help Tanya. She’s such a good person—she doesn’t deserve to suffer, especially not because of someone like Andrey.”
Natalie struggled to hide her irritation. This session proved to be a complete waste of time. She could have spent this hour far more productively…
“I understand how you feel,” she said carefully, keeping her tone neutral, “but I don’t think I can help you. Changing your sister’s outlook—especially in a single meeting—is beyond what I can do.”
“I’m not asking you to change her,” Anna protested. “Just to talk to her. She tunes me out whenever I try to reason with her. Maybe hearing a professional’s perspective—an outsider’s—will help her see things differently.”
“You’re asking me to impose your perspective, your worldview, onto her?” Natalie asked with a dark look, shaking her head. “That’s not how psychologists work.”
Besides, Tanya’s theory about the inevitability of failure in love shackled by obligations… well, it resonated with Natalie. She found herself agreeing with it, at least partially.
“No, no, I’m not asking you to force anything on her!” Anna exclaimed, almost pleading. “Just talk to her. See if she truly believes in this whole open-love thing or if she’s just pretending. That’s all I’m asking. Just talk to her… and whatever happens, happens.”
In the end, Natalie gave in. She was too tired to keep arguing, and deep down, she suspected this was the only way to get the persistent client off her back.
* * *
Tanya Mykityuk showed up at Natalie’s office a few days later. She arrived with her sister, who hastily introduced them and then made a quick getaway. The speed of Anna’s retreat made it clear—Tanya wasn’t exactly thrilled to be there.
“Charming,” Natalie thought wryly, studying Tanya with a sharp eye.
Tanya sank into the chair across from her, casually draping one leg over the other. Her chin was lifted defiantly, and her thin lips were pressed into a tight line.
“Well?” Tanya asked with a crooked smile, holding Natalie’s gaze. “Do I meet your standards?”
“For the most part,” Natalie replied coolly, unfazed. “Though, I suppose that depends on personal taste.”
Tanya bore a striking resemblance to her sister—fair skin, light hair, a finely drawn, narrow face, and translucent blue eyes. Like Anna, she was slim, with the kind of figure often seen in women who are convinced they need to lose a few pounds, even when those “extra” pounds are invisible to everyone else.
“Well, here I am. I showed up,” Tanya said after a brief pause, her lips curling into a sharp, almost mocking smile. “Just like I promised Anna.”
“Yes, she managed to persuade me to meet with you despite your resistance,” Natalie replied evenly. “Honestly, this kind of situation goes against my rules… but your sister was very persistent.”
“Oh, yes, Anna’s as stubborn as they come,” Tanya said with a softer, more genuine smile, her demeanor relaxing slightly. It seemed she’d realized Natalie wasn’t about to dive into persuasion or judgment, at least not immediately.
“Is that why you’re here?” Natalie asked. “To avoid conflict with her?”
Tanya tilted her head as if weighing her response.
“Well… partly, yes. But that’s not the whole reason. I think I might need your help—though not in the way Anna imagines.”
“Really?” Natalie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “I’m intrigued. So, what’s this request of yours?”
“I need to start from the beginning,” Tanya said after a pause. She furrowed her brow, choosing her words carefully before continuing. “I’m not sure exactly what Anna’s told you about me and Andrey… she never liked him. He’s… a tough nut to crack. I wouldn’t be surprised if she said we’ve turned our relationship into a circus.”
“Not exactly,” Natalie replied with a small smile. “But she does struggle to wrap her head around your concept of free love.”
“And why does she need to understand it? It’s my life—I get to decide how I live it.”
“That’s true,” Natalie agreed. “Still, I’m curious—why are you here? What made you decide to spend this hour talking to me?”
"I’ll explain why I’m here… but a little later," Tanya said. "First, I’d like to tell you my side of the story about Andrey and me. Is that okay?"
"Of course! I’m all ears," Natalie replied with a cheerful tone.
Tanya Mykityuk
My love for everything Ukrainian came from my grandparents on my dad’s side. I used to spend every summer with them at their house just outside Kyiv, and those summers gave my childhood a special kind of charm—close to what you’d call rural living.
Those were wonderful days! My grandpa would take me mushroom hunting, swimming at the lake, or just out for walks. We’d talk about everything: Ukrainian history, literature, our poets, writers, artists, and reformers. And in the evenings, after dinner, he’d read me books by Ukrainian authors—not just classics like Shevchenko and Kotsyubynsky but also more modern pieces.
He also inspired me to make Ukrainian culture known and appreciated worldwide.
But over time, I realized something important: before we could share our heritage globally, we needed to celebrate and embrace it fully in our homeland. Only then could we dream of putting it on a bigger stage.
Unfortunately, we Ukrainians spent far too long undervaluing our own national heritage, constantly looking up to a neighboring country (one I absolutely despise today). I never understood why. Where did this inferiority complex come from? Why did we see everything created by our talented ancestors as somehow insufficient, unconvincing… insignificant?
By turning 16, I decided it was time to change things—once and for all. If it took dedicating my entire life to this cause, so be it. And I’ve stuck to that promise—or rather, I’m still sticking to it.
It’s been quite a journey. I started out working in radio, then moved on to television as the host of an educational show. Eventually, I found my way to YouTube, where I reinvented myself as a content creator. Today, it’s the most effective way to connect with an audience and share a clear message. My message is simple: it’s time to embrace everything Ukrainian, to recognize ourselves as Ukrainians—and to love that identity.
I think I’m doing pretty well. I’ve even managed to monetize my content, which is a sure marker of success. I’m not going to lie and say I’m rich, but my YouTube channel brings in enough income to live on—and live well, at that.
Doing what you love and getting paid for it—what could be better? I’m definitely one of the lucky ones.
There’s one area where I wasn’t quite so lucky, and ironically, it ties back to my upbringing. You see, my passion for Ukrainian culture wasn’t the only thing my grandfather instilled in me. He also gave me a fierce love of freedom and independence. He taught me to see the world from a broader perspective and think outside the box. That mindset shaped every part of my life, including my personal relationships. I just couldn’t live within the confines of imposed rules and obligations! I didn’t understand—and still don’t understand—the traditional model of “romantic relationships.”
And here’s the kicker: men are quick to reject the classic family-values system, yet they won’t extend the same freedom to us women. I tried debating this with my boyfriends—more than once—but it was always a losing battle. Their arguments were drenched in chauvinism, which drove me absolutely nuts. The most popular excuse? Male nature is inherently polygamous. According to them, women are born to be monogamous and exist solely for motherhood and keeping the home fires burning. Seriously?
I have nothing against motherhood, but that’s not enough for me. My interests are far broader and more complex.
Eventually, I gave up trying to argue and accepted that we were speaking entirely different languages. Since then, I had stuck to short, passionate flings—nothing serious, no family ties. And honestly, I was okay with that.
I was pretty content, for the most part. My life was full, exciting, and vibrant. The only thing that really bothered me was not having kids. The clock was ticking, time slipping away… Sure, I could have had a child on my own (or adopted one), but the idea of being a single mom didn’t appeal to me. It felt unfair—to both me and any future baby. On the other hand, marrying someone just for the sake of having a son or daughter seemed equally unappealing.
And then he appeared—Andrey. We met on Tinder (by the way, I’ve met many of my partners through that app; it’s a perfect solution for someone with a busy life).
Andrey’s profile caught my eye, so I clicked. The photos showed a curly-haired, dark-eyed guy, younger than me by a couple of years, moderately handsome, with a short beard and a playful, mischievous look in his black eyes. Totally my type.
“Ukrainian to the core. Love our culture and looking for a goddess,” his bio said.
He loves Ukraine, really? Intriguing.
“I’m a goddess,” I wrote. And Andrey responded almost immediately.
Later, he told me my opening line hooked him—in a good way. “I realized you’d actually read what I wrote about looking for a goddess,” he said, laughing. “Most people don’t bother—they just scroll through the photos. But your approach? It worked.”
We started texting back and forth and quickly hit it off. Before long, we decided to meet in person.
I wasn’t expecting anything beyond a casual fling, and as far as I could tell, neither was Andrey. But fate had other plans. It turned out we were compatible in just about every way imaginable!
At first, our shared love for Ukraine brought us together. We’d dive headfirst into heated discussions about our country’s history and traditions, debating until we were hoarse, drunk on the intensity of it all. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but we never made it personal. If anything, our occasional differences in opinion only added more spark to our connection.
And, of course, there was the sex. We were perfectly in sync in the bedroom! We both loved experimenting—boldly, too. Once, we even went to a swinger party. Why not? It was a thrilling experience that pushed our boundaries and brought us even closer.
We also discovered that we shared a passion for travel. Neither of us cared for lazy beach vacations; we both preferred something active and adventurous.
"I’ve always wanted to hike across all of Ukraine," Andrey said with a laugh as we lay tangled in each other’s arms, catching our breath after a moment of passion. "Not just the big cities like Lviv, but the little villages too... talk to people, explore our nature..."
The idea instantly resonated with me.
"Let’s make it our project!" I said, brimming with enthusiasm. "We’ll explore all of Ukraine. Not all at once, of course… but little by little."
"You do realize this will tie us together for a long time, right?" he teased, grinning. "Doesn’t that scare you?"
"I’m not one to scare easily!" I shot back playfully. "What about you? Afraid?"
"Of you? Ha! Dream on! There isn’t a woman alive who could scare me."
"Yeah, we’ll see about that," I snorted. "Alright, then. It’s a deal. Let’s do it!"
And so, we did. Our first adventure took us to a small village near Lviv. I have the fondest memories of that trip… because it was then that Andrey and I truly became a couple—not just lovers, but something deeper.
What truly solidified our bond was our shared perspective on fidelity—sexual and emotional. We both believed that physical exclusivity wasn’t the cornerstone of a relationship. For us, emotional loyalty and staying true to our feelings mattered far more. Sex, in our view, was just a game, a form of entertainment. What truly counted was never betraying each other in the things that really mattered.
Seven years have passed since then, and Andrey and I are still together. In fact, three years ago, we moved in together and started sharing a home. Not even the mundane routines of daily life have managed to drive a wedge between us. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company—what more could anyone ask for?
Oh, and one more thing… over the years, we’ve come up with another idea. Let’s call it our next project. We want to raise a true Ukrainian, someone with the right beliefs and ideals. Of course, step one would be bringing that child into our lives—whether through birth or adoption.
What do you think of that plan?
* * *
“What do I think of your plan?” Nataly repeated, taking a moment to realize the story had ended and the question was directed at her.
“Yes,” Tatyana nodded, a slight smile playing on her lips. She tilted her head, studying Nataly with curiosity as if searching for a hint of judgment… or perhaps support.
Nataly managed a tight smile. She didn’t enjoy being put under a microscope, but that’s exactly how she felt under Tatyana’s intense gaze.
Why had she come here? Why share such an intimate story—one that was so personal and only relevant to her and Andrey? Was it to show off her free-spirited lifestyle and provoke some kind of reaction?
If it was meant to shock, Tatyana had come to the wrong person. Shocking a psychologist wasn’t easy. Polyamory? That was nothing compared to some of the things Nataly had heard in her line of work.
"Your plan to have... or adopt... a child and raise her or him as a true Ukrainian does sound like a project. A noble one, sure, but still... a project. Almost like a business venture," Nataly observed.
"It is a project," Tatyana nodded, her tone deliberately dismissive, almost flaunting a sense of nonchalance. "But that doesn’t make it any less important to me... or to Andrey."
"Well, it’s your life. You have every right to live it the way you choose," Nataly replied with a shrug.
"But you’re judging me," Tatyana stated with conviction.
"Not at all," Nataly countered. "Why would you think that? I’m not judging you in the slightest."
"And what do you think about my story?" the client asked, her tone edged with a slight aggression. It felt as though Tanya was deliberately seeking conflict, convinced that everyone judged her, and preemptively defending herself—even though no one here, in this office, had any intention of attacking her.
"I think you have an unusual love story," Nataly replied calmly. "Unusual and beautiful."
"Beautiful?" Tanya echoed, startled by the response. She seemed caught off guard, as though she had no ready rebuttal. "You... really think so?"
"Of course! And I’m surprised your sister doesn’t support you. Didn’t she spend time with your grandfather like you did?"
Tanya suppressed a sigh, her expression growing more somber. "She did, but far less than I did. She’s the younger sister, after all… I guess Grandpa got all his energy out with me. By the time Anya came along, he didn’t have much left to give. Age catches up with everyone."
"I see," Nataly nodded thoughtfully. "That happens more often than you’d think. It sounds like most of his love was poured into you."
"Not all of it, but a lion’s share, for sure," Tanya admitted, her voice tinged with guilt, as if apologizing for it.
"So, your sister Anna has traditional relationships... a traditional family?"
"Yes, a very traditional one: a husband and a little daughter… a lovely family, really, and I have nothing against families like that. It’s just… not for me. That’s all!"
"And she… Anna… doesn’t understand your relationship with Andrey? She disapproves of it?"
"Yes, disapproves, for a whole list of reasons," Tanya sighed, her lips curling into a bitter smile. "She’s never liked Andrey. And to be fair, he’s a complicated person—can be blunt, has a peculiar sense of humor. Plus, he’s younger than me. Lots of little things. The open relationship? That’s just the cherry on top. The final straw."
"I see... it sounds like a tough situation. But, honestly, family relationships are often tangled."
"Exactly... and then there’s this whole thing… with my follower," Tanya rolled her eyes and shook her head in irritation. "I’m guessing my sister brought that up, too, right?"
"She did. She mentioned that now your relationship with Andrey is being discussed… online. Everyone is talking… about you."
"She flatters me," Tanya smirked. "Not everyone’s interested in us. But, yeah, some people are talking. We even had to go live with Andrey to explain to our audience… hmm… what’s happening. To share our views on relationships and monogamy. It didn’t go well."
"Why not?"
"Well... we were nervous… defensive… it was awful. Why should we have to explain or prove anything to anyone? This is our life, our private business!"
"Of course, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. By the way, as I understand, your sister is mostly bothered by the fact that your openness to polyamory… well… it feels one-sided. Meaning Andrey is the only one acting on it, while you stay faithful and are ‘free’ only in theory."
"She’s wrong," Tanya countered calmly. "Though, for me, the freedom itself matters more than how I use it. Just knowing I can do what I want… it’s liberating."
"Really?"
"Don’t be snarky," she huffed. "Listen, it doesn’t matter how many men I have—or don’t have. That’s not the point."
"Then what is?"
"The lack of artificial boundaries imposed by society. The freedom to live boldly, to live fully… to live at 100%!"
"Are you sure you’re not deceiving yourself?" Natalie asked gently, a touch of sadness in her voice.
"I’m sure," Tanya replied firmly. "What matters to me is knowing that I’m free to act on my own desires and choices… Do you understand? That’s all. And you’re wrong if you think Andrey is running around cheating on me with every woman he meets."
"You’re putting words in my mouth again," the psychologist noted coolly. Why did clients always assume they could read her mind? "I don’t think your partner is sleeping with every woman he meets."
"Well, my sister definitely does!" Tanya retorted stubbornly, her brows knitting together in frustration. At that moment, she seemed older—like the forty-something woman she actually was. "For Andrey and me, sex isn’t the main thing! Our connection runs deeper… But how do I get that through to Anna?"
"Why do you need to?" Natalie asked, her tone calm but pointed. "Why is it so important for Anna to understand you? My own relatives don’t always understand me… and that’s their right."
Tanya hesitated, her cheeks suddenly flushing with color.
“Well… there’s a reason,” she said softly, lowering her hands to her stomach and gently running them over it. “This project… ours, mine, and Andrey’s… it’s already underway.”
Natalie’s eyes lit up with understanding.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, breaking into a mischievous smile. “So… there’s going to be a baby?”
Tanya’s lips curved into a smile of her own, one free from irony this time. Her face seemed to soften, almost glowing with something tender and serene.
“It’s still really early—nothing shows yet—and no one knows,” she said. “Well, Andrey knows. And my doctor. And now… you.”
Natalie chuckled lightly.
“Well, I’m flattered to be in the loop. So, what’s the plan? Are you staying in Poland? Or thinking about moving somewhere else?”
“I’m going back to Ukraine, to Andrey!” Tanya said firmly, almost offended by the question. “Yes, there’s a war, but that’s my home. I won’t leave it. This trip to Poland… it’s just business, really.”
"Interesting…" Natalie said slowly, drawing out the word. "This is your first child, isn’t it?"
"Yes. And since I’m over 40, the odds of getting pregnant weren’t exactly in my favor… but we got lucky. I don’t know what the future holds, but for now, everything is fine. And to keep it that way, I need the support of those closest to me. Especially my sister… which is actually why I agreed to come here today."
"You want me to be the one to tell her about… your exciting news?" Natalie asked, startled, her voice tinged with disbelief at the unexpected suggestion.
"No, no!" Tanya responded quickly, clearly taken aback by the idea. "Andrey and I will tell her ourselves… when we’re ready. It’s just…" She hesitated, fumbling for the right words. "Ugh, I don’t know how to explain it… it upsets me that Anya is so against us—against our relationship! My news will only be an unpleasant surprise for her. And I wish it could be the opposite!"
Natalie frowned. She had a sense of where this was going and didn’t feel optimistic about it. If her intuition was correct, what Tanya wanted was a tall order—thankless, maybe even futile. A task destined to fail from the start.
"You want me to convince your sister that there’s nothing wrong with open relationships and love without commitment, right?" Natalie asked skeptically.
"Well… something like that," Tanya replied, frowning and looking away. She clearly understood the challenge ahead.
"To achieve any results, I’ll need hours… a lot of discussions, debates… it can't be done in one session… unfortunately."
"Well, you could at least try," Tanya pleaded, her voice softening. "Just talk to her."
Natalie couldn’t help but laugh. Now, it was clear they were sisters… relatives! They had different views on family values but the same determination to get what they wanted.
"You remind me of your Anya," Natalie said, offering a faint smile. "She insisted we meet with almost the same urgency. Using almost the same words."
Tanya managed a smile, though it was a little forced.
"Yeah, in some ways, Anya and I are pretty similar. So, what do you think? Will you help me out? No hard feelings if you decide not to! And I'll pay you upfront. You won't lose anything, really."
Natalie tilted her head, thinking for a moment. She probably should have said no, but something kept her from giving a firm answer. Maybe it was the undeniable charm of the Mikityuk sisters—resisting their appeal was harder than she'd thought, even with her experience in psychology.
And why resist if Tanya wasn't asking for a guaranteed result? She just wanted her to try, and she would pay regardless. Money always helps.
"Well?" Tanya’s voice cut through her thoughts, impatience creeping in. "Are you in?"
"Alright," Natalie finally said, offering a weak smile. "You win. I'll talk to your sister. I don’t know what’ll come of it, but I’ll give it a shot."
Natalie
That evening, she was spending time with Artem. Aiming to change the scene, they went out into the world, choosing a cozy restaurant not far from Natalie's home.
"It's affordable, and the food is fantastic," she said, giving the place her seal of approval as they walked arm in arm down the darkening street. "I like coming here for dinner when I’m not in the mood to cook."
"I rarely eat out," her companion admitted with a wry smile. “Sure, I don't always eat at my place... but usually at home, just not mine."
"And you cook for yourself?" Natalie teased with a sly grin. "I can picture it... you in an apron!"
Artem chuckled good-naturedly.
"Well, there's always the option of buying something pre-made at the store. Or getting delivery from a café. It’s usually cheaper in the end. But for a woman like you, I’m willing to make an exception... no, I HAVE to make an exception! I’m ready to take you to the best restaurant in the city."
Natalie glanced at him sideways.
"As I said, this place is pretty affordable. And besides… you do understand I’m a modern woman, right? Everyone pays for themselves. So, don’t worry about it."
Even the dim light couldn’t hide the blush creeping up his cheeks.
"That’s not what I meant!" he protested.
"Well, that’s what I meant," Natalie said firmly, then softened her tone. "Don’t overthink it. I can pay for my own dinner. Yours too, if it comes to that."
"Absolutely not mine!" Artem objected, clearly offended.
"Fine, then we’ll stick to everyone paying for themselves," she said with a shrug, hiding a smile. After a brief pause, she added, her voice smooth, "I’m here for your company… not your money."
“Which you don’t even have, ha!’ The woman finished silently, though, of course, she didn’t say it out loud. By the way, she didn't lie to him—Artem mattered to her as a friend, a lover, and sometimes a confidant… but never as a provider. He would’ve been utterly useless in that role, anyway.
It was hard to tell what exactly worked—Natalie’s words or the particular tone in which she delivered them—but Artem seemed to relax and gave in without resistance.
…Fifteen minutes later, they were seated at a comfy corner table, waiting for their dinner to arrive.
“So, what’s your take on open relationships?” Natalie asked, steering the conversation toward the “topic of the evening” as she sipped the wine served as an aperitif. Seeing Artem’s eyebrows shoot up, she added with a laugh, “The question has nothing to do with us. I’m just mulling over something a client of mine brought up.”
“Not sure I get where you’re going with this,” Artem muttered, frowning slightly and reaching for his own glass. Clearly, he wasn’t entirely convinced about the so-called client.
“My client has a husband… and they’re expecting a child soon. But their relationship… how should I put it? It’s open. They’re free to have short-term flings on the side as long as it’s strictly about sex.”
“Interesting… family dynamic,” Artem replied with a nervous chuckle. “Not sure I could handle that—living like that with someone.”
“So, you’re not a fan of that kind of freedom?” Natalie pressed, still trying to uncover arguments that might persuade Tanya Mikitiuk’s sister to see things from a broader perspective. Truth be told, she doubted this puzzle had a solution at all.
“Why are you asking me, though?” Artem frowned in confusion as if searching for a hidden trap in her question. “I’m no expert on relationships… let alone psychology.”
“I’m just asking for your opinion,” Natalie said with a shrug. “Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about an open family dynamic myself. On one hand, I’m all for freedom in any form… but on the other, there’s got to be a line somewhere. So… what’s your verdict?”
Artem didn’t get the chance to answer right away—a waiter appeared with a tray full of their dishes. As the food was being set down, he took a moment to think.
“That’s a tough one,” he said after the waiter left. “I guess I could see myself trying an open relationship, but only if it wasn’t with my wife or fiancée. Like, with a casual girlfriend? Sure, maybe. But not in a serious, long-term thing like a family.”
“So family is sacred, right?” Natalie asked with a small smirk, cutting her steak into neat pieces.
Missing the edge in her tone, Artem nodded. “Kind of, yeah. Maybe not sacred, but it’s important. Open cheating in a family? That’s like turning it into a sieve—too many holes to hold together.”
“And secret cheating doesn’t do the same thing?” Natalie teased, popping a piece of steak into her mouth.
“Nah, that’s different,” Artem said, grinning as he shook his head. “Secret cheating? It’s like adding a little spice to the relationship. A bit of excitement. You know what I mean.”
“Oh, so secrecy makes life more thrilling?” Natalie shot back, clearly amused as she worked her way through her meal.
“Well, they say forbidden fruit tastes sweeter,” Artem shrugged, digging into his own plate. “And they’re not wrong!”
Natalie gave Artem a sly look, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“Or maybe you think only men should have the right to cheat? Maybe it’s not about secrets or forbidden thrills.”
Artem looked almost offended.
“Not at all! Of course, I wouldn’t want my wife cheating on me… but I wouldn’t want her to be okay with me cheating, either. Let her get jealous—it shows she cares!”
“And how about not cheating at all?” Natalie said with a dry laugh, shaking her head.
“It’s an option,” Artem shrugged. “A solid one. But… a little fling on the side (a secret one!) doesn’t ruin anything. If anything, it spices things up.”
“But in an open relationship, there’s no secrecy, no forbidden element. That’s bad?”
“I don’t know if it’s bad,” Artem said thoughtfully, then shook his head. “But when cheating is allowed—even encouraged—it just feels like a game. Like sex becomes a sport. And that’s not for me. Simple as that.”
Natalie tilted her head, deep in thought. Huh… an interesting perspective. Permitted infidelity becomes mundane, boring even. Maybe she could use that argument with Anna Mikityuk—point out that if her sister’s partner leans toward polyamory, the most logical move might be to let him “roam.” The forbidden fruit loses its appeal once it’s no longer forbidden.
“You know,” she said aloud, setting down her fork, “I think I agree with you. Open relationships and family don’t exactly mix well…”
* * *
Natalie took a drag from her cigarette, the smoke curling lazily out the open window into the cool night air, rich with the scents of earth and leaves. A chill breeze slipped into the room now and then, making her shiver. She pulled her robe tighter around her shoulders, her eyes lingering on the silvery glow of an almost full moon against the dark expanse of the sky.
“So, what’s the answer? What is it?” she muttered under her breath, exhaling heavily as she crushed the cigarette into a marble ashtray.
Not even the serene beauty of a clear, moonlit night could help her sort through the jumble in her mind. Free love—was it right or wrong? Good or bad? A fleeting, no-strings-attached affair was one thing, but marriage? A baby on the way? That was a whole different story. A child changed everything. A child meant responsibility—serious, all-consuming responsibility. And responsibility didn’t leave much room for freedom. One always came at the expense of the other.
Natalie had nothing against the idea of freedom in relationships—she even embraced it. But only when it was limited to fleeting encounters with no expectations and certainly no children involved. Just a bit of enjoyable escapism with casual lovers, like Artem, who was now peacefully asleep in her bedroom while she gazed at the moon, pondering loyalty and love.
But a family wasn’t some short-term affair with an expiration date of a month or two. A family meant commitment—something Natalie understood all too well. She’d married young and had been happy for a while… though not for long. Still, the fleeting nature of her marital bliss hadn’t stopped her from fighting for her crumbling relationship with her husband for over a decade.
Ultimately, the battle was lost, and everything unraveled in divorce. After that, Pavel—her ex-husband—seemed to forget he was a father altogether. He stopped paying attention to their son, Platon. And Platon couldn’t forgive that neglect—moreover, he blamed her for Pavel’s indifference. Was it unfair? Probably. But… maybe he wasn’t entirely wrong. Who knows?
One way or another, life had taught Natalie that marriage wasn’t about freedom. It was about responsibility. Commitment. And freedom had no place there.
“That’s it!” Natalie murmured, struck by a sudden realization. She sat up straighter in her chair as the idea crystallized in her mind.
There it was—the source of her bias. She’d been projecting her own bitter experiences onto others, turning her personal disappointment into some universal rule. But her pain was a reflection of her past—hers and hers alone. Everyone has their own story with a unique ending. Lumping everyone together under the same assumptions was, to put it mildly, wrong—and certainly unprofessional.
Yes, she had to admit: marriage became synonymous with responsibility (and the opposite of freedom) for her. But what did that have to do with anyone else? Tanya and her Andrey likely saw the world differently. They had their own experiences and their own lives… and it was up to them to decide how to live their allotted years.
The next step was to help Anna Mikityuk understand that point. Natalie had to explain to her that none of us were handed a manual for life at birth. Without one, the only way forward is to figure it out for ourselves—often through trial and error.
And who’s to say who’s right in the end? Maybe Tanya and Andrey had it all figured out… more so than Natalie or Anna ever could.
