A man stood in the reception area of the maternity hospital, shoulders slumped. He held no flowers in his hands, unlike what is typical when greeting new mothers with babies. His cracked and chewed lips were tightly pressed together. This was not how Ignat had imagined meeting his long-awaited heir. Oh, not like this! He … Read more
The wind outside howled with renewed force, sweeping the snow-cleared paths. Forester Denis, who lived alone in a wooden hut with a real Russian stove, was preparing dinner. Life had led the young man to the forest after the death of both parents. While he was in the army, a fire broke out at night … Read more
My daughter was three years old when I found her under a bridge, covered in mud. I raised her as my own, even though people whispered behind my back. Now she is a teacher in the city, while I still live in my little cottage, sifting through memories like precious beads. A floorboard creaked underfoot—again, … Read more
Marina and Oleg had lived together for ten years. They had experienced so much during these years—a wedding, children, cozy family holidays, trips to the sea in an old car. Sometimes she was amazed at how quickly it all flew by, leaving no substantial traces on her soul. But if you looked a little deeper, … Read more
Varya stopped her car near a familiar house and looked at her watch. Thirty minutes early—she had arrived too soon. “No big deal,” she thought, “My mother-in-law is always happy to see me.” She adjusted her hair in the rearview mirror and stepped out of the car, holding a box with a cake. It was … Read more
Vera, stop already,” Igor snapped irritably, pushing away his unfinished bowl of borscht. “How long can you keep making scenes over this? Anya is our guest. She’ll be leaving soon.” “Guest?” she snorted disdainfully. “She’s been ‘guesting’ here for three months already. She bought a three-thousand-ruble bottle of wine, slathered caviar on her sandwich, and … Read more
The frosty morning was particularly chilly. The street, shrouded in gray clouds, was permeated with a cold that made it seem like even the buildings were shivering. Marina Alekseyevna hurriedly wrapped herself in her old wool scarf, which had long since lost its original color. She appeared to be about seventy, but life’s hardships and … Read more
Can one find happiness if their childhood was spent within the walls of an orphanage? This question haunts many… Sveta was only thirteen when fate struck a terrible blow—her parents died in a car accident. Relatives? They just turned away. But the girl… She was special: smart, beautiful, well-mannered, and healthy. It’s no wonder that … Read more
Again that smell. Cinnamon with vanilla. I check the cheesecake recipe for the hundredth time, although I know it by heart. My hands shake as I take the form out of the oven. Please, let it be perfect this time. — Masha, did you fall asleep there? — Andrei’s voice comes from the living room. … Read more
Anya sighed as she exited the office building. Today was nothing but stress. Did he really need those reports right now? She could have gotten everything done tomorrow. The day at work had been stressful, so she decided to stop by her usual café. She was already looking forward to having a Greek salad and … Read more