Since Mama sewed well, she also knew how to dress well. But with shoes and accessories there was always a problem in the Soviet Union, yet Mama “managed” to solve this too herself without Papa’s interference. Once she expressed to Papa her discontent that he earned rather little money; he answered her thus: “what should I do, go steal?” He did not hide money, brought his pay home and, of course, did not go into our “girlish concerns.” And Mama could “in one go” splash money on Italian shoes or an imported bag. Then she tried not to show him the new thing, so that he would know less and sleep soundly.
I remember a very funny incident with Mama’s scarce purchases. I write and laugh! Once she came upon imported bags. She bought three at once. One household, two women’s handbags for herself and me. And she spent a whole 30 roubles! What is 30 roubles at that time? That is a ticket on the Kiev–Moscow train in a compartment carriage there and back.
Papa had not yet come from work and we three (my sister was then about 5), in the kitchen, examined these bags and quietly rejoiced. And so as not to upset Papa, Mama decided to hide the bags in the pantry. In the evening I heard how my sister quietly reported to Papa that Mama had bought 3 bags! Now I understand he did not go much into the “incoming information.” Well, and I was indignant at her “betrayal,” at once told Mama that the little one had given away the secret. We called her to the kitchen and say: “well, why did you tell Papa?” And she quietly answered “well he won’t tell anyone!”
To be continued..