Natalya, don’t go to him! He will deceive you!” Svetlana exclaimed in a voice trembling with anxiety, standing like a wall in front of the door. Her fingers gripped the wooden doorframe convulsively, as if it were the last support between a terrible past and an uncertain future. In the mother’s eyes shimmered a plea, … Read more
Yegor lay on the bed, face buried in the pillow, as if asleep. But it was an act—he could hear every word his mother repeated once again with that same tired intonation, the kind usually spoken with resignation in the voice: “Yegor, get ready.” He didn’t move. He only wrapped himself tighter in the blanket … Read more
“What do you call a woman who sleeps while her husband leaves for work hungry?! A BAD wife,” — grandmother often repeated these words… And they stuck deeply in Darya’s subconscious. “Congratulations on your wedding day!” — Darya’s grandmother wiped a tear with a pristine white handkerchief. — “Zhenya, my son, I entrust you with … Read more
— You bought the wrong buckwheat again! How many times do I have to explain that “Mistral” is money down the drain! — Mom, maybe it’s not worth making a big fuss over some grains? — Don’t you dare talk back to me, Sergey! Your wife needs to learn how to save money! The apartment … Read more
— Tamara Petrovna, this is the notary’s office! Open up, or we will break down the door! — a female voice on the other side sounded like a hammer striking glass. Tamara Petrovna froze near the old secretary desk, her fingers tightly clutching a velvet box with photographs. There was another knock on the door, … Read more
The school banquet hall had been transformed beyond recognition. Brightly colored balloons hanging from the ceiling gently swayed in the light draft, LED garlands twinkled along the walls, and quiet yet festive music played on the stage—a backdrop for an important event. The air was filled with a light bustle, joy, and a touch of … Read more
– Are you serious? – Anna looked at Svetlana Gennadievna questioningly. – My grandmother asked to have a letter delivered to me six months after she passes away? – Yes, my girl. Here it is, – Svetlana Gennadievna handed Anna an envelope. The envelope was sealed, and in the “To” line was written – Anna. … Read more
Anna froze on the threshold, clutching the suitcase. The hallway smelled of coffee and… someone else’s perfume. Men’s slippers stood on the floor—not Sergey’s. Plaid ones, with pompoms. His style was minimalist: black, no patterns. She shifted her gaze to the coat rack. Next to his coat hung an olive-green down jacket—they didn’t have one … Read more
“Taxi to Klenovaya, house number eight,” I shifted my son into my left arm, holding my daughter tightly with my right. The driver nodded silently, glancing in the rearview mirror. Two bundles, two discharge ribbons — one pink, one blue. Two pairs of tiny eyes looking at me with complete trust. “Is your dad meeting … Read more
The cutlery clinked against the plates with some kind of predatory greed. One of my husband’s distant relatives was already serving himself salad for the third time, loudly discussing how hard it would be now for his mother, Svetlana Borisovna. I sat at the head of the table, in Oleg’s chair, and almost physically felt … Read more