She pulled out a suitcase and bag. “Take your things and get out. Go sing in the subway—maybe someone’ll give you a coin.”

Sofia grabbed her things and ran. Dragging her suitcase down the street, Sofia felt numb. No tears, no thoughts. She had no family. Both her parents were orphans. She didn’t know what to do next.

It was getting dark as Sofia stood outside the “Breeze” restaurant — the place her father had mentioned. With no other choice, she went inside. A young man greeted her, then soon a tall man in his mid-forties appeared.

“Can I help you?” he asked.

Sofia took a deep breath. “I’m the daughter of Elena and Grigory Grigoryev. My father said I could come to you if I ever needed help.”

He looked surprised. “Grigory’s daughter… I didn’t know.”

Tears came as she told him her father had just passed away. The man gently said, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

He comforted her and took her to his office. Once calm, Sofia shared her story.

“My father was sick for a long time, especially after my mother died. A woman named Zhanna came into our lives but didn’t really care for him. She moved in, and his health got worse. They married while he was still ill.”

The man nodded. “That must have been hard.”

“Dad worked hard, always saying I’d be a star someday,” Sofia said softly. “Before he died, he told me about your friendship and said I could turn to you.”

Sophia looked up and said, “He said you were like brothers, but then Mom came.” Mikhail smiled sadly and replied, “Your mom didn’t want to ruin our friendship. She even tried to leave, but it was too late.” He assured her, “You can count on me like a father.”

Sophia hesitated but finally said, “Can I stay with you? I don’t want to be alone.” Mikhail smiled and joked, “Of course. I live alone, except for my lazy cat who ignores me.”

A few days later, Mikhail invited her out, saying, “Let’s talk and figure out what’s next.” Sophia asked, “Could we go to your restaurant? I’ve never been.”

Mikhail urged Sophia to continue her studies, but she worried about living expenses and wanted to find a job. Before he could reply, a young man rushed in with news of an emergency—a live performance was required at the restaurant in half an hour, but the singer Artem had no-showed again.

Mikhail panicked and started calling past performers, but all had been contacted. Sophia gently touched his hand and said, “Uncle Mikhail, I can sing.” Surprised, he hesitated, warning her that the restaurant was noisy and different from what she was used to. She promised she would manage.

When Sophia began singing, the room fell silent. Mikhail sat quietly, and after her last song whispered, “Elena… I promise, our daughter will become a star.”

Meanwhile, Zhanna and her husband arrived at the restaurant to impress friends. When she heard Sophia was performing, she feigned ignorance but was clearly unsettled by the mention of Grigory Grigoryev’s name. Her husband teased her about her complaints over the curtains, but she angrily dismissed him, complaining about ruining the evening.

As Sophia’s sad song filled the room, Zhanna threw a napkin in frustration and muttered, “Are we really going to listen to this all night?” Her husband sighed and left to give her a break. Zhanna sat stiffly, resigned to endure the night without dancing or turning away from the stage.