Lika always tried to behave honestly. Most of the time she succeeded, but over time she came to understand a bitter truth: to treachery, one must respond either with cunning or cold indifference. Among her circle were people who shamelessly took advantage of her kind heart and connections but never once thanked her. And when … Read more
The wife and her lover called a taxi to secretly go to a cozy café on the outskirts of the city — a place where no one knew them, where they could just be two people hiding from the public eye. She was dressed neatly but tastefully, lightly made up, with a barely noticeable scent … Read more
The day Svetlana had dreamed about for many years had finally arrived. But instead of the expected relief, she felt her hands trembling nervously. Fifty-eight years old — is that not too late for a new life? That thought haunted her all morning. She scrutinized herself in the hallway mirror. A strict suit, minimal makeup, … Read more
Natasha carefully folded the tiny baby shirts into a bag and zipped up her purse. Tomorrow she would be discharged from the maternity hospital, and she could hardly wait for the moment when she would finally be home with little Masha. At forty-two years old, she was becoming a mother for the first time, and … Read more
I’m pregnant again, Zhenya joyfully announced to her parents at breakfast. I’m going to have a baby because children are such a happiness. What do you mean you’re pregnant, Maxim Nikolayevich choked on his scrambled eggs. Zhenya, your first child is growing up without a father and under our full care. Where do you expect … Read more
Twilight wrapped the city in a grayish haze. The wind, as if in anxious excitement, flitted through the streets, tearing the last leaves from the trees and restlessly scattering them across the sidewalks. This only heightened Arina’s inner tension as she walked alone down the nearly deserted street. Her soul felt dark and heavy. Thoughts … Read more
Kirill was in a big hurry today. It was already eight in the evening, and he hadn’t yet chosen a gift, bought flowers, or even changed clothes. Today was the birthday of his mother, Svetlana Eduardovna Krasilnikova. Many guests had gathered for the occasion. The celebration would take place at the country house of the … Read more
The light green curtain on the kitchen window fluttered softly in the gentle breeze. Outside the glass, irritated voices of Igor and Zhanna could be heard. Down in the yard, their children were playing on the playground — seven-year-old Kristina and ten-year-old Tolik. But every now and then, they glanced up sadly toward the windows … Read more
“Lyosha, come in,” the man commanded, pushing his ex-wife away from the door. The woman was shocked! Not only did Arkady show up uninvited, but he also brought his stepson! “You’ll stay here a few days. Aunt Oksana is, of course, a difficult woman, but we don’t have many options. Don’t worry, she’ll feed you, … Read more
Lena stood by the window of her two-room apartment, looking out at the familiar yard where an old linden tree grew. Her mother used to say that when Lena was little, they would gather yellow leaves together under that tree. Now her mother was gone, but the apartment remained — the only thing that connected … Read more