The jam stain on Marina’s beloved white rug wouldn’t come out. She’d bought practically “half” the cleaning aisle, hunting for something—anything—that could save her precious favorite. But every attempt failed. She flung the rag across the room, dropped onto the floor, and began to cry. “Don’t take it so hard,” Vadim tried to calm his … Read more
“Well, look who finally decided to show up—the lady of the house,” Galina Petrovna’s voice grated against Alice’s nerves like Styrofoam dragged across glass. Her mother-in-law stood in the middle of the living room, thick hands planted firmly on her wide hips, staring at Alice not like the apartment’s owner but like a careless maid … Read more
“And this hunk of meat,” the voice remarked, “I see isn’t cooked properly at all. Blood on the plate is a one-way ticket to parasites, Zhanna. Or did you decide that since you don’t cook at home, you can poison yourself here with whatever you feel like?” Zhanna froze with her fork lifted to her … Read more
I’ve always believed money isn’t the most important thing in a marriage. Trust is. Understanding. The willingness to show up for each other when things get hard. But the moment your husband starts blowing your salary on who-knows-what, you start seeing the world a little differently. It began six months ago, when Andrey got laid … Read more
Natalya stood at the window and watched her husband, Alexey, and his mother step out of the elevator with heavy grocery bags. They were deep in discussion, and by her mother-in-law’s sharp gestures it was obvious—once again, the topic was Natalya. Lidiya Petrovna pointed toward their apartment on the third floor, shook her head, and … Read more
Natalya was slicing potatoes into thin rounds, darting a glance at the clock. Half past six—Sergey would be home from work soon. Meat and vegetables were stewing on the stove, sending a mouthwatering smell through the kitchen. Outside, October twilight was already sinking in, and the lamp filled the room with a soft, cozy warmth. … Read more
“Mom, no worries — come over!” Dima said into the phone, then added without even looking at his wife, “Sure, stay a whole week if you want!” Alina snapped her head around. “What?!” Dima looked away. “Mom and Aunt Valya are coming for a week. They haven’t visited in forever.” Alina knew exactly what a … Read more
— “The house was bought during the marriage, so go after your half!” Alexey’s mother lectured. “The law is on your side, son.” Alexey lay stretched out on the sofa. The talk with his wife didn’t weigh on him at all. The divorce was already decided. “Mom, what half?” he yawned. “Everything’s in my name.” … Read more
Anna stood at the stove, slowly stirring julienne in small clay ramekins, replaying the evening schedule in her head. The dishes needed ten more minutes. The salads were already done. The meat in the oven would reach perfection right as the guests arrived. Everything—like always—exactly on time. A picture-perfect family dinner for her husband’s relatives. … Read more
I stood in the entryway mirror, taking my look apart with a critic’s precision. The three-thousand-ruble jeans were gone—replaced with a cheap mass-market pair. My expensive jacket had been traded for a puffer coat from Avito that I’d bought специально for this little show. Even my purse was swapped out for a scuffed fabric tote … Read more