The Foundling

A five-year-old girl left in the care of her older brother as their mother searches for a summer house. Natasha is intensely curious, fearless, and resilient, wandering the city with a mix of innocence and boldness. Her encounters reveal how a child interprets trust, danger, and care.

The housemaid who arrives to look after Natasha; she provides practical, steady care amid the day’s chaos. Arisha embodies quiet reliability and a caregiver’s calm presence. Her interactions help anchor Natasha during moments of uncertainty.

Natasha’s older brother. He jokes about rough punishment but also cares for his sister, showing a protective yet playful side. His casual threats reveal a mix of mischief and familial loyalty.

A childless geologist who, believing Natasha was abandoned, argues with a neighbor. He embodies adult concern and misinterpretation, momentarily inviting Natasha into his world before the misunderstanding clears.

A childless wife who longs to adopt Natasha. She combines warmth with practical caution, considering Natasha as part of a possible family.

Lya’s husband, initially hesitant about adopting Natasha. His reservations reflect the complexities of forming a new family.

Natasha’s mother leaves for the countryside to rent a summer house, showing a mother’s dedication and the pull of family ties. She returns in song, offering comfort and a sense of home.

A missing persons investigator who searches for Natasha and eventually reunites her with her family. He represents order, persistence, and the social system’s care for a lost child.

Nina is a classmate Natasha encounters during the day, adding another layer to the city’s social tapestry. Her presence contributes to the sense of a busy, interconnected urban day.