“Come on, Anya, don’t be childish. My money is mine. Yours is yours. Fair and square,” Dima leaned back on the couch and laughed loudly, from the gut. That laugh, which just a year ago had seemed genuine and contagious, now grated on my ears like cheap metal. He looked down at me, and his … Read more
Oleg slammed the fridge door so hard that the shelves inside rattled. One of the magnets fell to the floor with a dull clunk. Lena stood across from him, pale, her fists clenched. “Feel better now?” she exhaled, lifting her chin. “You’re driving me insane,” Oleg’s voice cracked, though he tried to speak more quietly. … Read more
Igor dropped his fork. It clattered against the plate, leaving a greasy streak of sauce on the white porcelain. He didn’t even notice. His eyes were fixed on his phone screen, and a strange, vacant smile froze on his lips. “Something interesting?” I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible. “Huh? Oh, just work,” … Read more
“— And the toast?” my husband’s voice cut through the rich aroma of roasted meat. “To family. May it only grow bigger.” Stas raised his glass but didn’t look at me. His gaze—warm and a little nervous—was fixed on my sister. On Lenka. She was sitting across from us, fiddling with the edge of her … Read more
The Sea and the Choice “Marinka, your vacation is canceled,” Vova announced over dinner, stretching his lips into a smug smile. He was clearly savoring the moment. “I bought Mom a trip. She’s dreamed of the sea her whole life, you understand? So now she can go instead of you, finally relax. She deserves it.” … Read more
“You ungrateful girl!” her mother’s piercing voice shrieked. “Come home this instant or I’ll—” Svetlana hung up and blocked the number faster than she could blink. “Another one for the collection,” she thought with a bitter smirk. Half an hour later the phone came alive again. A new number flashed on the screen—apparently her mother … Read more
“Will you be on the night shift again, Mom?” Katya’s voice was soft but tinged with disappointment, her eyes searching her mother’s face for a different answer—any answer but the one she feared. “Yes, honey,” Marina replied gently, brushing her daughter’s hand with affection. “But you and Yura will be good, right?” “We always are,” … Read more
Natalia stood frozen, eyes locked on the glowing phone screen. The red “call ended” button still pulsed faintly, but from the speaker, faint laughter lingered—light, girlish, almost musical. So unlike her own voice—hoarse from exhaustion after twelve relentless hours in the ER. — “Andrei, stop it!” came a teasing whisper from the woman on the … Read more
“We’re arriving tomorrow morning — be there. Morning train at 7:20.” Anastasia, perched on the edge of the couch, kept staring at her phone screen as if it might display a continuation. But after those words, the caller simply hung up. No “Is it okay?” No “Does it work for you?” — just a message … Read more
“Liza, We Won’t Take Much”: A Story About Family, Labor, and Boundaries “Liza, we won’t take much. Just pack us your signature pie and a couple jars of jam for the road,” Gleb stretched lazily, a smile on his face. Liza stared at the guest, unable to believe the audacity. How could he ask so … Read more