Lyudmila woke up to the sound of a dog barking. She glanced at the clock with blurry vision—it was only eight in the evening. She had been fighting off sleepiness all day after her shift and had dozed off. Oh, trouble… Now she wouldn’t be able to sleep until midnight. The dog kept barking forcefully, … Read more
The wedding procession sped through the city, the driver turned on lively music and honked continuously. The bride was all anticipation, constantly adjusting her veil and fidgeting with her wedding bouquet. She was charming: light makeup, blonde curls styled into a beautiful hairstyle, and the veil added a touch of mystery. A happy smile wandered … Read more
Semyon Markovich, an elderly but very well-groomed man known as a millionaire and owner of several firms and companies, sat in the police chief’s office with his head bowed, ready to sink through the floor. He was being reprimanded like a little boy! The police chief could no longer contain his emotions: “Dear Semyon Markovich! … Read more
Maria never liked being in her mother-in-law’s kitchen. Something about the room always seemed off to her, as if the walls themselves held some secret. Perhaps it was the stern gaze of Anna Petrovna, who, even in her absence, seemed to watch every move her daughter-in-law made through old photographs on the walls. That evening, … Read more
My dear mom, my precious… What should I do, how can I help you?” Alla wept. She leaned over the woman lying on a dirty sofa. “My dear daughter, thank you for everything,” Maria Dmitrievna replied in a quiet voice, “But you’ve already done more for me than you could. See how I have repaid … Read more
Vanya woke up earlier than usual. The room was dark and cool, the cold draught coming from the window. He pulled the blanket up to his chin and closed his eyes for a moment, but sleep did not return. Outside, it was November—gray and chilly. The streets of the village were deserted, and it seemed … Read more
Mom called again, worried about how you take care of me,” sighed my husband. “As if you were five years old,” I replied. “Tell her you’re thirty-two and you don’t need a sweater.” Borya gave a strained smile and dropped the conversation. My mother-in-law, Alevtina Nikolaevna, was one of those women who dedicated her life … Read more
Nazim’s bakery was renowned throughout the region and always enjoyed high demand from customers. Both adults and children loved the tasty baked goods. For his little culinary fans, Nazim always had a discount in place, bringing a smile and gratitude from their parents. Nazim, along with his family, came to Russia many years ago when, … Read more
Mash, don’t forget to lock the door,” Mom said tiredly, rising from the table. “Mom, how many times? Are you going to remind me for the rest of your life?” fifteen-year-old Masha replied, feeling hurt. “Not for life, but as long as grandma lives with us. If she goes outside, she will get lost and…” … Read more
Marina Sergeyevna noticed that Sashka stopped attending classes in mid-November. Initially, she thought the boy was just sick—autumn, viruses, nothing unusual. But a week passed, then another, and he was still absent. During breaks, she caught herself waiting for Sashka to enter the class, sit at his desk by the window, and pull out his … Read more