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
Svetlana indifferently pushed the plate of borscht away from her, and in a careless, almost solemn tone, announced: “Svetlana, I am leaving you!” At these unexpected words, the 45-year-old woman dropped the cup from her hands, which shattered into pieces on the floor. Svetlana looked at her husband and realized from his serious expression that … Read more
Well, son? Have you and Milana made a decision?” asked Alla Mikhailovna as she made a shopping list for the New Year’s table. “We will celebrate with you,” Roma replied. “Milana agreed.” “Excellent. Then we won’t change our tradition. We’ll welcome the New Year with the whole family,” Alla Mikhailovna rejoiced. “Are Yura and Lera … Read more
Marinochka, could you please weigh two kilograms of green apples for me,” asked a short, blonde woman addressing the saleswoman. Marina smiled at her regular customer and quickly weighed the juicy, ripe apples, then handed the woman a bag, saying: “Here you go, Inna Petrovna. These apples are very tasty, you will definitely like them.” … Read more
It was unbearably hot on the bus, and neither the open hatches nor windows offered any relief to the weary passengers angry about the massive traffic jam. Olga was returning from work, idly pondering what to cook for dinner. Of course, her imagination conjured up exclusive dishes like marbled beef or truffle ravioli. Sighing, she … Read more