Anna wearily sank onto the old sofa, massaging her aching legs after a long shift. Working as a nurse at the district clinic was exhausting, but there was no other choice—someone had to pay the bills. Anna’s gaze drifted across the peeling walls of their small two-room apartment. It desperately needed repairs, but there always … Read more
Grandma!” a 19-year-old long-haired brunette burst into the room where the old woman was. “Are you sleeping?” “No, my granddaughter,” Tamara Igorevna, worried, sat up in bed. “I’m getting married!” Nadya joyfully announced. “What? Really?!” the woman exclaimed, throwing up her hands in shock. “What about your studies?” “Grandma, who needs those studies?” the girl … Read more
Nikolai trudged through the forest, breathing heavily. Behind him were tens of kilometers that he had overcome with great difficulty. How he longed now for food and drink, and to forget the pain in his feet. Yesterday, he had tripped over a log in the twilight and scratched his legs. Now they were swollen. He … Read more
— Hello, dear! I have a big surprise for you! Prepare your signature dish for dinner tonight! — What happened? — Svetlana was worried. — Everything is great! I’ll tell you in the evening! The call ended, and the woman looked out the window doubtfully. It was a chilly October. Her husband’s call did not … Read more
Anna Petrovna, is it true that you and Ivan don’t have your own children?” Galina squinted, leaning over the fence. “God did not give us any,” I replied quietly, clutching the empty bucket tighter in my hands. I always hated such conversations. Every time someone in the village brought up the topic of children, everything … Read more
— Gena, are you absolutely sure about this? — Mom… — You do realize she’s only with you for the money, right? Gennady sighed softly. — Mom, you’re mistaken, but I’m not going to argue with you because it’s pointless. You can think what you want. We’re not planning a lavish wedding. — Gena, stop … Read more
If Oksana had known what would happen to her, she would have thought a hundred times before going to the village that summer. She would have surely persuaded her parents to go to the Black Sea instead, but she couldn’t. Oksana loved her grandmother Varya dearly. Varvara Alekseevna also missed her granddaughter and had prepared … Read more
The evening sun mercilessly scorched her back, and the blouse, clinging to her body, caused irritation as Yelizaveta Mikhaylovna climbed the steps to her apartment. In the entrance hall, the sweet aroma of fresh baking lingered – her neighbor Anna Petrovna, as always, spoiled her grandchildren with apple pies. This scent invariably awakened in Yelizaveta … Read more
Maybe you could go somewhere? Went fishing with your father, you always sit at home,” the mother looked at her son with concern, adjusting her apron. “I’m not idle, I washed the windows yesterday,” he replied, looking away. “I see, son. I’ve wanted to wash the curtains for a long time, but never got around … Read more
Thirty days, Pasha. That’s all you have left.” Anna stood by the window, watching the falling snow. In the reflection of the glass, she saw her husband freeze with a cup of coffee halfway to his mouth. “What do you mean thirty days?” his voice sounded bewildered. “That’s what I mean. One month to change … Read more