— Roma, I handed all the envelopes to my mother. When we were handing them over, you could feel there was a decent amount of money in them. — I did too, Svetochka, felt them as well. It’s clear my dad holds an important position in the government. But I long ago refused his handouts … Read more
Nina sat with her legs tucked underneath her amid scattered magazines and glossy wedding dress catalogs. Outside the window, a gloomy October played with the last leaves, while inside Nina’s heart felt light and joyful. There were only two months left until the wedding! Nina flipped through the pages, stopping now and then on one … Read more
Svetlana blushed with shame; her temples began to throb, and her palms grew damp. She realized her husband had been right: gathering all the relatives around one table was a bad idea. They should have celebrated at home, in a family way, but now it was too late, and she had to deal with her … Read more
— You only made money off that wreck! — these words whipped Zhenya all the way. — What were you waiting for, Zhenya? A happy life? Well done, you got what you deserved! She dropped the heavy bags and sank onto an old stump. Everything had started out so well… Or was she simply deceiving … Read more
At the door, the knocking grew increasingly insistent. Lena hastily wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and ran to answer. Because of the sound of the running water, she didn’t immediately hear the ring. Standing on the doorstep was Lyosha, her husband. He was holding full bags—bags that had prevented him from using his … Read more
Larisa let out a heavy sigh as she caressed her stomach. Since morning, her contractions had begun—judging by the intervals, they were practice contractions—but her overall state was far from pleasant. There was still time before the birth, yet the thought that they might start sooner frightened her. Even though her hospital bag had been … Read more
— Maybe you should think about others too? — Anna asked softly, looking into her husband’s eyes. — Others? — Pavel smirked. — Those who chose this path for themselves? Not funny. Anna was indeed half an hour late. It seemed like a trivial matter – city traffic jams had become a routine occurrence. But … Read more
— Haven’t you gotten tired of this country seclusion? — Maxim got up from his armchair, stretched, and turned to his wife. — How is it that you never get tired of it? “— Maxim, what fatigue are you talking about? — Irina tore her eyes away from the garden bed. — Or perhaps you … Read more
Svetlana sat on a bench by the exit of the maternity hospital. Her heart was heavy with the realization of the mistake she had made. Perhaps she should have left the baby here so that the state would take care of the child. But there was no choice—Svetlana simply had no other options. As soon … Read more
A little baby, wrapped in a soft blue blanket, was dozing quietly in Yulia’s arms, occasionally wrinkling her face and twitching her tiny nose. The nurse offered to see her off at the exit, but Yulia refused, although she still felt a deep weakness after giving birth. “Everything’s fine with me, I can handle it … Read more