Every Friday, the child would carry food to the deserted wasteland. It was only with the arrival of spring that it became clear who he was doing it for.

In January, the frost around Novomikhaylovsk was so intense that the hoarfrost on the wires sparkled in the sun. Seven-year-old Kirill Timofeev would wake up earlier than his mother’s alarm clock on Fridays—only on that day of the week. The rest of the time, everything went as usual: kindergarten, school, work, stores. But for the … Read more

Letting relatives stay for a few days, she ended up kicking them out with a broom a week later.

Tatiana Leonidovna was just pouring the tea—regular, with bergamot. Suddenly, her mobile phone rang. She flinched—it was already almost nine in the evening. — Aunt Tanya? It’s Rita! Margarita! Do you remember me? Of course, she remembered. Her niece. Loud, red-haired, with a mole above her lip. The last time they saw each other was … Read more

Why has your mom already planned the menu for the holiday without asking me?” I asked with irritation, literally pressing the words into the space between us.

— Why has your mom already made the menu for the celebration without asking me? — I asked, irritated, almost imprinting the words in the space between us. Oleg looked up from his phone with an expression as though I had interrupted him while reading a state document of vital importance. I knew that look … Read more

On her way to the conference, Alina spotted her husband at a café, even though he swore he was working from home. She decided to follow him…

Alina froze at the traffic light, nervously tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. With her left hand, she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and glanced in the rearview mirror—her appearance was impeccable: perfect lipstick, the flawless style of a successful businesswoman. She was late for a meeting again—for the third … Read more

Alina is expecting my child. I’m leaving to be with her. The apartment and the car stay with me.

For her fiftieth birthday, Elena decided to organize an unforgettable celebration. She sent invitations to relatives, friends, and… her ex-husband, Sergey Vasilyevich. In the personal note, she added a provocative line: “Come with your current wife, if you wish.” Her friend Galina nearly choked on her coffee when she heard about it. “Have you lost … Read more

Her husband walked out with the cutting line, “You were older, and now you’re downright old,” never once revealing the secret she had protected all these years…

— Doctor, please be straight with me! — Irina’s voice trembled, and her fingers gripped the edge of the desk so tightly her knuckles turned white. — I can’t wait any longer! The man behind the desk slowly lifted his head. The desk-lamp’s light flashed across his glasses, masking his eyes. He put down his … Read more

Get out!” — Tatyana Petrovna pressed her lips together, then demonstratively spat after me.

Get out,” Tatiana Petrovna said, pressing her lips together, then spat after me. “If you leave now with the children, I won’t take you back,” Tatiana Petrovna shrieked. “Just so you know: I’ll leave the apartment to an animal shelter!” “Do whatever you want,” I replied wearily. “But we won’t stay here another second.” My … Read more