Nikolai was a very warm and tender child, who had only one regret, he had no father or mother.
No one at the orphanage knew to precision why he was there, all they knew about him was that he never spoke, whether he did not have the ability to, or perhaps he just did not wish to.
All the children at the orphange loved him because he cared for them as a father would his children.
The headmistress of the orphanage had also a soft spot for him, disciplined as she was, she always managed to give him some extra food, or perhaps a bit of candy she bought at the market.
One day as Nikolai was reading (like he always used to when the children were asleep) he saw a light come from the kitchen, he had never been there before since it was strictly forbidden. Niokolai stood at the other end of the kitchen door, trying to decide whether he should enter or not, finally he timidly pushed the door a little bit open, just enough to be able to peer inside,and what he saw stayed imprint in his heart till his death.
A beautiful woman was peeling some green apples, she had long brown brown hair and milky white skin, her face was the perfect combination between melancholy and happiness.
She raised her eyes and glared at Nikolai, she smiled a little smile and said with a sweet voice.
-I see you have found the kitchen-
She then returned to her work as if nothing had happened,after a few minutes she raised her eyes again and said:
-Well? Will you not sit down little one?- She pointed to a stool next to her.
Nikolai was marveled with her amazing beauty, but the thing that most amazed him was her inmense sweetness, her motherly air, he obeyed and gently pulled the stool so he could sit.
-Let us see....ah yes, I remember what I was going to cook today- said the woman talking to herself.
Nikolai said nothing he merely watched her as she put everything in place, from time to time the woman slid him some slices of apple dusted with sugar, or some cookies she had lying around. In no time Nikolai saw she had finished what she was cooking, a beautiful apple tart. She slid it in the oven, clapped her hands put her arms around her waist and said:

-Well? Are you going to tell me your name any time soon little one?-
-Nikolai- he replied softly

After this brief talk none of them said anything, the woman merely walked him to his room and tucked him in bed, treating him like a son, Nikolai said nothing, he let her do what she wanted.
Days passed and the routine stayed the same, only as time passed they became more and more close, Nikolai gave her the same authority he would a mother, and she was kind and gentle to him as a mother should be.
One night before he shut his eyes she said.
-By the way, my name is Dolcheza- she whispered in his ear, and he fell asleep with a smile in his face.
Soon he started learning the art of baking, he loved watching her make treats for the children, cakes, pies, cookies, puddings, all with a distinctive touch of happiness.
After two years had passed Nikolai had not managed to make a single cookie without burning it.

-You can not cook anything else until you can get a cookie right darling- Dolcheza said.

Nikolai started to notice something funny about her new mum, she seemed paler and paler as days passed, sometimes she would sit all the time on the stool, and the nights where longer because it took her more time to make everything.
One day when Nikolai entered the kitchen, he saw her walking slowly in the garden just outside, she was looking at the skies mumbling soflty something incomprehensive for Nikolai.
He paid no more attention to it, and instead decided to finally finish a decent cookie, perhaps he could give it to her as a present, and ask her if she would be his mother, this is what he longed for most in the world, this is what had made him start talking, and smiling more, and dreaming sweet innocent child dreams.
He got to work quickly mixing everything to perfection, taking time, stopping once in a while to check his progress, until, ready!.
He rushed to the garden with a warm chocolate cookie in his hand, rain had started to fall, he looked everywhere.
-Dolcheza, I did it, I finally did it!- he screamed of joy, but he could not see her.
He stopped for a moment to catch his breath and paid attention to a characteristic smell he knew well, the smell of warm sweetness, it was dimming.
He followed it until he could not sense it anymore.
He turned in circles until.....Nikolai froze, there she was, lying in the grass completely pale, one arm over he face, the other dropped lazily on the side.
-Dolcheza, Dolcheza!, What is wrong? Do tell me- he cried and cried, hugging her body covering her head with sweet kisses, he waited and waited until finally he heard:
-Nothing my child, wipe your tears and cry no more- The voice he heard was Dolcheza, but there was a difference, this voice was much richer, more colorfoul and cheerful, and yet, at the same time so incredibly melancholic and sad.

-Let go of me, run and tell them I am gone, but do not cry for me anymore, for I am no longer here, keep me in your memory keep me forever, and I will return forever to you, and to all those who need me-

Nikolai wept and wept, he could not stop crying, he felt he would be sad for all eternity, but he obeyed, he left her body, covering her still with all kinds of caresses.

It was a small funeral, conformed only by the people who had known her, the children, and a man who did not talk to anyone but shed silent tears.

Dolcheza had endured a long sickness which was going to take her life, this is why she kept away from everyone, she did not want to leave anyone behind, this is why she had left her young love behind, to spare him from sadness.
When she met Nikolai she knew her time was soon to come, and yet, she loved him from the moment she saw him he was her only act of selfishness, since she could not let him go, and she had loved him as her dear son, they had loved each other forever.

When everyone left, Nikolai stayed, and placed the chocolate cookie which was soaked in his tears on top of her tomb, he did not cry, and whispered soflty:

-I will see you soon-

-Yes my dear child, you will- a small faint voice full of hope replied.

The end