Chapter 1: The Ghost of the Past Valentina Stepanovna appeared at the “Solnyshko” shelter in early October — a small, stooped woman in an old, worn coat and a headscarf tied in a girlish way. She was dragging a large wheeled bag behind her, stopping every few steps to catch her breath. The wind fluttered … Read more
Grandfather left me an old house in the village in a dilapidated state as an inheritance, while my sister got a two-room apartment in the very center of the city. My husband called me a failure and moved in with my sister. After losing everything I had, I went to the village, and when I … Read more
The autumn wind swirled over the cemetery, lifting yellow leaves from the ground. Anna Alekseevna adjusted the collar of her coat and crouched by the grave. The granite monument gleamed after the recent rain. Two faces looked at her from the photograph — a man about thirty-five years old with an open, kind gaze, and … Read more
Ivan always considered himself a man who knew what he wanted. His life seemed predetermined to him: a successful career, stability, family — but somewhere deep inside, a feeling of dissatisfaction smoldered. He believed that happiness was the pursuit of new emotions, that true passion should burn brightly like a flame, not smolder within the … Read more
What could make a doctor drop to his knees in shock? Why does a routine examination suddenly turn into a moment that changes the entire fate of a family? Sometimes in life, the ordinary becomes unexpectedly important, and a single moment turns the soul upside down. Doctors face emotional and difficult situations every day, but … Read more
— Tanya, I think it’s easier to sell it than to revive it, — sighed Valery Georgievich, leaning back in his leather chair. His gaze slid to the window, where leaves rustled softly, as if nature itself confirmed his thoughts. Tatyana sat across from him, flipping through documents. The numbers were merciless — losses were … Read more
Galina adjusted the tablecloth for the third time. The snow-white fabric, embroidered with tiny flowers, lay smooth without a single wrinkle. She took a step back and surveyed the set table. Two porcelain place settings — the kind reserved only for special occasions. Tall glasses reflecting the soft light of the antique chandelier. And candles … Read more
“Zhenya, why are you lying in front of the TV again? Is there really nothing else to do? Just lying there, rubbing your belly, you lazybones,” Margarita Lvovna said in her usual manner. What lazybones? It’s Sunday today, you know? Can’t I at least peacefully lie down on my rightful day off without being disturbed? … Read more
Agata stared at the computer screen, trying to make sense of the code. The lines flickered before her eyes. At 22, she was just starting her career as a programmer. Every project opened new opportunities. The small room on the second floor of her mother-in-law’s house had become her workspace. Moving here seemed like a … Read more
Elena ran her palm over the dusty surface of the old dresser, leaving a light streak on the dark wood. Grandma Klavdiya’s little house seemed frozen in time — the same faded wallpaper with a small floral pattern, the same heavy furniture covered with white sheets. “Can you imagine, Andrey, how cozy it could be … Read more