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Irina brushed crumbs off the windowsill, set down a cup of green tea, and sat at her laptop. Everything in this house followed a schedule: Friday evening was “paperwork time.” Opening bills, sorting receipts, balancing expenses — a familiar ritual for an experienced accountant. “I need to file the declaration next week,” she thought, opening … Read more
Anna sat in the car, fastening the collar of her coat with trembling fingers. It was May outside, but inside felt like February: her heart raced, her mouth was dry, and her hands were cold. She knew this evening would end badly—she just didn’t know how badly yet. Outside the window was a sign: “Avtotechnik … Read more
“What is this? A souvenir from the Soviet past?” Valeria asked irritably as she stepped over the threshold after a hard day at work. “Where did you drag this from? A dumpster? I bet it’s already crawling with cockroaches,” she added, critically eyeing the old mattress in the hallway. Sasha came out to meet her … Read more
— Masha, look what I brought you! — Andrey burst into the house carrying a huge bouquet of peonies and an elegant vase. I put my laptop aside and gave a weak smile. Three years ago, he brought flowers every Friday — just as joyful, as if it wasn’t just an ordinary weekday, but a … Read more
The alarm rang exactly at six in the morning. Vika opened her eyes but didn’t move. Next to her, her husband was peacefully snoring, wrapped up in the blanket with his head covered. The alarm kept ringing loudly, but Artur didn’t even flinch. Vika reached out and turned off the alarm. It was time to … Read more
The phone rang at three in the morning—loud and insistent. Svetlana rolled onto her other side and pulled the blanket over her head. Half-awake, she heard Anton get up, groping for his slippers in the dark. “Who on earth is calling at this hour?” she muttered, turning onto her back. Anton didn’t answer; he simply … Read more
Galina wiped her sweaty palms on her apron and glanced once more at the festive table. Everything had to be perfect. Sixty years is no joke! She imagined the guests’ faces when they saw this feast and smiled. Especially Viktor would have to appreciate her efforts. “Mom, you’ve gone overboard again,” Maria said, entering the … Read more
— Who is this? — Sergey Alexandrovich asked coldly as soon as Anna entered the house, tightly holding a small baby wrapped in a soft blanket against her chest. There was no hint of joy or surprise in his voice. Only irritation. — Do you seriously think I will accept this? He had just returned … Read more
— How many children would you like? — Oleg asked with that special smile that made Christina feel warm inside. She noticed how the lamp light played in his eyes, coloring them a warm amber. Christina lifted her gaze from her cup of tea and pretended to think seriously. Her eyes sparkled playfully. — Many, … Read more
“Here,” the young woman practically shoved a bundle right into my hands, followed by a heavy, dense bag. “Please.” The electric train jolted at the rail joint, and I barely managed to steady the unexpected burden. Something stirred inside the bundle. I unfolded the edge of the fabric—and met the gaze of a child. An … Read more