Vera absentmindedly poured coffee into a large mug and froze, staring out the window. Spring had been strange this year: snow, then rain, then sudden warmth that made city flowerbeds bloom with tulips too early—only to be followed by another cold snap. She rubbed her shoulders as if trying to warm up, even though the … Read more
The twilight of October gently enveloped the city as I set the table for dinner. The familiar cups with worn edges, the old embroidered tablecloth — everything in this kitchen had remained unchanged for the past three decades. Viktor entered, carefully closing the door behind him. The warm October evening prompted him to roll up … Read more
Ulya, how could you forget to buy olives? Mom loves them in the salad!” Anya exclaimed, dramatically sighing while waving the grocery bag. Ulyana just sighed, wiping her hands with a kitchen towel. The sun was setting outside, casting the last rays over the well-kept garden of their country house. The holiday dinner was supposed … Read more
Ninochka, you know… I would have never thought that your son would choose some unknown girl to marry!” said Polina Anatolyevna, taking a sip of fragrant jasmine tea. “Don’t rub salt in my wounds. This wedding will not happen! My son will realize how wrong he is and will cancel everything,” Nina Vasilyevna declared confidently, … Read more
A chilly autumn wind drove yellow leaves down the village street as Alina stepped off the bus. Her legs ached after the long journey, and her heart felt heavy—saying goodbye to her grandfather had been hard. She had barely taken a few steps from the stop when she heard a familiar, slightly hoarse voice: “Alinushka, … Read more
– Natasha, what are you thinking about? – Sveta nudged her friend with her shoulder. – Are you staring at Igor? Natasha blushed and smiled uncertainly. The answer was obvious, but she had no intention of sharing her feelings. She knew full well that her dreams of happiness with him were nothing but fantasies. They … Read more
Anna Sergeyevna, the documents are ready. Who will be accompanying you home?” the nurse asked gently, her eyes scanning the frail woman whose pale face was shadowed by dark circles. “I… I’ll manage on my own,” Anna replied, trying to sound confident. The nurse gave her a worried look. A week had passed since the … Read more
Alright, Viktor,” — the wife stood in the kitchen, looking at her husband with disdain. — “I have an important conversation. Don’t even think about interrupting me.” During their entire marriage, the man had already understood perfectly what such an introduction meant. Thunder and lightning would rain down on him in droves. “Well, well, go … Read more
Alright, Katya, sorry for yesterday…” Katerina stood, turned away from the stove, pouring coffee for her husband, and remained silent. “Come on, don’t sulk. You know me. I got carried away.” “Alright,” she turned toward the table, lowered her eyes, placed two cups of coffee on it, and adjusted the terry bathrobe around her neck. … Read more
Kristina, while in the maternity hospital, learned that her mother-in-law had moved in with them. The young parents were quickly pushed aside by the newly-minted grandmother from their son. At home, Kristina noticed that the baby bath and a pack of diapers she had bought were on the balcony. – “How wonderful that you’re having … Read more