— “What is that supposed to be?” Valera pushed his dinner plate away, grimacing as though he’d found something inedible rather than stew. — “Stew,” Kseniya looked up from her own serving, surprised. “The same one I’ve made dozens of times before. Is something wrong?” — “The meat’s tough,” Valera shook his head. “And there … Read more
Luda looked at the snow outside the window and thought about her parents. All December, her father had been complaining of chest pains but refused to see a doctor. “It’ll pass on its own,” Sergei Petrovich would dismiss when his daughter brought it up. In the end, instead of a festive dinner for the New … Read more
After finally retiring from military service, Viktor took a deep breath and felt the freedom. His wife had left five years ago, one beautiful morning announcing that “life is short and you have to live for yourself, enough of traveling from garrison to garrison,” filed for divorce, and moved somewhere south. His son was studying … Read more
The red dog, the forest ranger’s loyal companion, began to show signs of restlessness at dawn. While Ivan Grigorievich slowly pulled on his felt boots and stretched his stiff shoulders, the dog circled around his feet, quietly whining and repeatedly darting toward the exit. “What’s wrong with you? Did a wolf dream of you?” grumbled … Read more
Mom, another night shift?” Katya looked at her mother with concern. “Yes, sweetheart. You won’t get into trouble without me, will you?” Marina gently patted her older daughter’s hand. “Of course not. But you never rest,” Katya sighed. “I have to work, Katya. Your graduation is coming up soon. You want a beautiful dress, don’t … Read more
Yana hurriedly walked down the stairs, skipping steps. The day had started completely normally – the morning hustle, getting ready for work, a kiss from her husband. Only when she reached the door did she remember the forgotten wallet. “Always in a rush!” she thought as she returned to the apartment. The key turned silently … Read more
Alektina Petrovna consistently appeared at the store right at seven in the morning. The 24-hour “Products 24 Hours” store was usually empty at that time—only the night workers and occasional sleepless passers-by entered. Her worn gray coat and faded scarf had long been familiar to the staff. The old woman came twice a week, exactly … Read more
I can’t take it anymore. I needed a son, and we have our third daughter. This is not how I imagined my life,” Sergei stood at the threshold with his worn sports bag, avoiding eye contact with his wife. Irina froze with a spoon in her hand. The porridge on the stove continued to quietly … Read more
Finally, my father decided to have an honest conversation with me and my sister. — Nadya, Olya, sit down. I want to tell you how Irina, my second wife, came into our home. — Dad, we already know everything, — I interrupted him. — When you were five years old, I remarried. I remember that … Read more
Styop, maybe we shouldn’t go today? I could say I’m not feeling well,” Alina nervously tugged at the corner of the tablecloth, avoiding her husband’s eyes. Stepan stepped over to his wife and gently took her hand. “Alinka, we’ve already talked this through. If you turn down every Sunday dinner at my mother’s, she’ll only … Read more