I walk into the apartment at half past nine in the evening, and the first thing that greets me is the smell of fried onions and my mother-in-law’s voice from the kitchen. It’s twenty-nine degrees outside, but it feels like thirty-five in the stairwell. My shirt is sticking to my back. I set my briefcase … Read more
“Marina, did you lock the door again? Mom says you didn’t even have tea with her this morning.” Marina tore herself away from her screen and stared silently at her husband for a few seconds. Alexey was already standing in the doorway of her office, wearing his jacket and holding his keys, clearly rushing to … Read more
“Dim, they’re nowhere to be found! Absolutely nowhere! I’ve checked the kitchen twice, the bedroom closet, the desk drawers—there’s no sign of the folder!” Alisa stood in the hallway already dressed in her pantsuit, phone in hand. She had about ten minutes before she needed to leave if she wanted to make it on time, … Read more
Only one of the three lightbulbs in the hallway was working—the others had been unscrewed back in summer to save on electricity. Vera took off her boots, lined them up neatly with the toes facing the wall. Galina Sergeevna stood in the middle of the corridor, arms folded, waiting as if she’d been keeping watch … Read more
Ksenia parked her car by the curb in her usual spot and decided not to turn off the engine. Her mood had been ruined exactly forty minutes ago by one phone call, and it just kept getting worse—slowly, like rust. She gripped the steering wheel with both hands and stared straight ahead. In front of … Read more
Friday evening kicked off with a loud crash in the hallway: Mira zoomed in on her scooter right up to the coat rack and braked with her heel against the baseboard. “Mom, I barely even touched it!” she shouted. “Barely is like ‘almost passed the exam,’” replied Polina. “Park your vehicle in the corner, racer.” … Read more
— What do you mean the apartment will be in her name?! You’re a man! You should be the head of the family! She just wants to take advantage of you! Dima woke up to the sound of the doorbell. It was sharp and persistent—two short rings, one long. He would recognize that rhythm anywhere: … Read more
Hey sweetie, how’s it going? Have you made all the money yet, or what? Nina, Tatyana’s mom, asked with an unpleasant giggle on the phone. “No one can make all the money in the world. But that’s not the only reason I work, Mom.” “Oh? What else then?” “For pleasure. I love my job, Mom.” … Read more
Elena stood in front of the bedroom mirror, fixing her hair. Forty-five—that age when a woman either gives up for good or starts her life from scratch. She ran her hand across her face, noticing the faint wrinkles near her eyes. Still, she looked good. Regular trips to the gym, healthy eating habits, quality cosmetics—it … Read more
“Why do you need such an expensive apartment?” demanded my mother-in-law Polina brushed her hand across the smooth surface of the kitchen granite. Her two-bedroom apartment in a prestigious neighborhood was her pride. Panoramic windows revealed a park view. Light-colored walls and expensive furniture — all a result of her efforts. “I finally have a … Read more