“Nina Arkadyevna,” Marina said calmly, “you forgot to pay.” “Oh, come on,” she smiled. “We’re family! You don’t think I’d take money from my relatives, do you?” Marina always had a strong-willed character. Even when she and Vadim started dating, she was the one who initiated the wedding. She knew what she wanted in life—and … Read more
No one ever took Agafya under their wing. And who needed her — so unfinished? Her face was okay, even considered rather pretty, but she didn’t grow tall — just a little over a meter. And most importantly — she was skinny like a willow branch. Thin, almost childlike figure — what kind of housewife … Read more
“My God! I didn’t come here for nothing — I wanted to help you pick the perfect dress!” exclaimed the mother-in-law loudly, her voice trembling with indignation. “What do you look like now? This… this is just an absolute absurdity, not a bride’s outfit! Where is the luxury? Where is the sparkle? Where is the … Read more
Every evening, when the last rays of the sun painted the sky in golden and pink hues, Anastasia would go to the embankment. There, where the fresh wind tickled the skin of her face and the scent of the river mingled with the city air, she found refuge for her soul. Sitting on an old … Read more
“Andrey, promise me… promise you won’t abandon Larisa,” Nina whispered from the bed, her voice weak but full of pleading. “You know how fragile her health is. She needs constant care… You understand how difficult it is, but I’m so afraid she won’t manage alone. You will be her guardian for another two years… Please, … Read more
After the divorce from her husband and the division of the apartment, Ksenia had to settle almost on the outskirts of the city. She got a two-room apartment that had hardly ever been renovated. At least, that was Ksenia’s first impression. But she was one of those women who aren’t scared of anything—hardened by family … Read more
Andrey carefully parked his car by the gate, turned off the ignition, and paused for a few seconds, listening to himself. The frosty air seeped into the cabin through the cracks, and snowflakes, caught by gusts of wind, danced in the streetlight glow as if foretelling something unusual. He looked around. Along the fence, cars … Read more
“Oh, damn, I nearly shit myself laughing at that meeting!” Marina threw her shoes into the corner and collapsed onto the sofa without even bothering to take off her jacket. “Can you imagine? They were accusing you right in front of the whole department of embezzlement! And you — damn it — an experienced accountant, … Read more
— Why did you tell them about the apartment? — Lydia’s voice was trembling, but not from tears — from rage. So much so that the kettle behind her seemed to decide not to boil but to evaporate in shame. — They just want to help… — Igor, not lifting his eyes from the screen, … Read more
Anna Fedorovna sighed heavily, placing another pot under the stubborn trickle of water seeping through the dilapidated roof. — What a disaster! — she whispered, looking up at the ceiling as if trying to see the very sky through the cracks. — When will this ever end? The rain’s gone mad — it just keeps … Read more