Anna froze in front of the mansion’s front door—the same place where her family life once unfolded. Now she locked eyes with her former mother-in-law, Marina Petrovna, who was nervously fidgeting with the hem of her knitted jacket. — Anna, dear, we need your support, Marina Petrovna said in a trembling voice. Anna gave the … Read more
Why did you get so angry?” Lev finally said. “Let’s discuss everything calmly. You’re right: we owe my mom a lot. So why not thank her in just that way?” “In what way, exactly? By giving her what belongs to me and our daughter? Instead of providing for Nina’s future? Are you kidding me?” Irina … Read more
In their family, everyone was used to seeing Grandma Katya as a gentle, conflict-free person who was ready to sacrifice herself for the well-being of her children and grandchildren. Her sons—Lyosha and Yury—had long since started their own families and lived separately, but they regularly sent their children to visit Grandma. No one even doubted … Read more
Maxim stopped his car in the overcrowded parking lot of the children’s hospital, barely finding a spot between other vehicles. Today, the place was especially crowded, as if every parent had decided to visit their child on that very day. It had become his constant ritual: after finishing his work, he would swing by his … Read more
— “Oh, Grigory, how lucky I am to have you! I can’t imagine how we managed without your help before,” said the elderly woman, watching as the young man skillfully handled his tools. Grigory gathered the tools into his bag and smirked: — “Oh, come now, Elena Sergeyevna. It’s nothing—a mere matter of moving the … Read more
Part 1 In a small, cozy office the curtains were drawn, a pleasant half-light enveloped the room, and the air was filled with the scent of incense as a fortune-telling session was underway. Opposite a young, pleasant blue-eyed woman—who by appearance did not at all look like a fortune-teller—sat a pregnant client, looking at her … Read more
— How? That can’t be! Dasha looked at the doctor in bewilderment. “— Well, unfortunately, these things happen. You know, it’s impossible to predict. Diagnostics rarely catch this. But don’t worry, it’s nothing critical. With care, treatment, and time, everything will be fine.” Dasha looked at her son’s wrinkled little face and wept quietly. She … Read more
At the question of nine‐year‐old Arishka, her father was at a loss. He had no answer… He wasn’t some priest to expound on God. Vasily was known in the district as a stove-maker, skillful and always eager to work. Assembling a stove was a breeze; but answering such complex questions was beyond the capacity of … Read more
Milana had long wanted to buy a little house in the countryside. She had searched for that perfect spot with a river nearby, a forest, and magnificent nature. Mila had spent her entire life in the “concrete jungle”—that’s what she called her city. — And when will you fulfill your dream?— she thought to herself. … Read more
Victoria could barely move her legs—she was utterly exhausted. No wonder, as she had gotten up with the roosters to tackle all the chores. Her daily routine knew no bounds. Not only did she have to clean the chicken coop and prepare meals, but she also had to fetch water from the well and wash … Read more