Midnight had finished its dark ball outside the Khrushchyovka windows when Veronika, practically dragging her feet, slid the key into the lock. It felt as if even the metal resisted, unwilling to let this exhausted shadow of a woman back in. Not “without hands and feet”—that would be too gentle. She felt like a broken … Read more
— I know you think this is a gift, but how could you? — Elena held the white envelope between two fingers, as if it might burn her hand. — On our wedding anniversary, Nikolai! Our fifteenth anniversary! Nikolai stood by the window, looking out at the yard flooded with July sun. His broad shoulders … Read more
Alyona had just kicked off her work shoes when the sharp ring of the intercom sliced through the evening quiet of the apartment. The voice on the handset sounded cheerful and carefree: “We’re almost there! Open up!” Tatyana. Her sister-in-law. The one who never thought it necessary to warn about her visits in advance. Alyona … Read more
— “Mommy, where’s my bunny?” Katya tugged on Marina’s sleeve. They were standing in the entryway at her mother-in-law’s place, where they’d stopped literally for a minute—to pick up the toy. From the living room came the rich aroma of meat fried with garlic; glasses clinked, men’s laughter sounded. Marina took a step toward the … Read more
Everything started with the cup. Or rather, with the sticky brown ring it left on the white engineered-stone countertop. I wiped it off for the third time that morning, and it showed up again, like a stubborn birthmark. Lyosha’s brand. A stamp of his presence in my perfect, ruler-straight world. “Lyosh!”—my voice, just as I … Read more
— So, how do you like the vacation, dear? Just don’t faint from happiness!” Antonina Petrovna theatrically took off her glasses, folded her arms across her chest, and made a “million-dollar face.” “This isn’t Anapa for eight hundred rubles, it’s Sochi! Practically Europe!” she added breathily, glancing at Lena’s sandals as if they were soggy … Read more
Natalya looked around the room with pride. The new wallpaper with a delicate pattern and the modern furniture were a pleasure to the eye. The renovation of her own two-room apartment was finally finished. “Mom, can you believe it? I stayed within the budget!” Natalya reported happily over the phone. “I even have enough left … Read more
Tanya was sorting through the documents in her desk drawer, trying to bring order to papers that had piled up for years. Among old receipts and manuals for long-broken appliances, she found the divorce certificate. December. Four months had already passed. The divorce from Misha had turned out strangely ordinary. No shouting, no smashing dishes. … Read more
“You’ll be the brightest star—the most gifted of them all. They’ll notice you, and your name will be on every poster.” Sophia folded over the blanket that covered her father and wept into its edge. His hand—weak but still warm—found her hair and drifted through it. “Don’t cry, my girl,” he whispered. “Fate isn’t fooled. … Read more
— Gena, are you absolutely sure you’ve thought this through? — Mom… — I know exactly what I’m saying. She’s only with you for the money, isn’t she? Gennady exhaled, a slow, weary breath. — Mom, I get why you’re worried, but you’re wrong. There’s no arguing with you anyway—you won’t change your mind. Believe … Read more