— Daughter, don’t worry about me. Right now, you must not quarrel with your father. Please, don’t try to defend me.” Julia remembered these words from her mother forever. She was only fourteen then, and in her young heart, it felt as if the world had collapsed overnight. Her mother’s words sounded like a warning, … Read more
Semyon Petrovich, or simply Petrovich — that’s what everyone who occasionally stopped by this forgotten-by-God place called him — with a strained groan plunged his shovel into the heavy, damp earth. Another day, like hundreds before. He had been working here, at the old village cemetery, for twenty years now, ever since the noisy and … Read more
“Nastya, we’re expecting you on Sunday at two o’clock!” — Mom’s tone was firm and left no room for doubt. “Okay, Mom, I’ll be there. Should I bring something?” — the girl sighed heavily: another ruined weekend! It would have been much better to spend Friday evening cleaning and cooking, go to some party on … Read more
“Finally,” I breathed out as the key turned in the lock. Viktor entered the apartment, dropped his travel bag on the floor, and wearily ran a hand over his face. Six months on a work rotation, six months I hadn’t seen him. He smelled of the train, dust, and a foreign city. I wanted to … Read more
— Lena can’t go without a car anymore. She needs to get to training, then to her internship. And you’re just sitting at home now, the car is going unused. Arina at first didn’t believe it and, frowning, asked again: — Why should I give my car to Lena? — Arina, you’re a mother now. … Read more
— And who said I gave permission to rearrange the furniture in my apartment? — Natasha finally snapped. — And who’s going to forbid it? You? — her mother-in-law laughed. Natasha pressed her hospital card to her chest, as if trying to hide her diagnosis from prying eyes. The clinic corridor was noisy, but she … Read more
— Mom, are you going on the night shift again today? — Katya asked, looking at her mother. — Yes, my dear. Just you and Yura don’t get into trouble, okay? — Marina gently stroked her daughter’s hand. — Of course, we’ll behave, but you hardly ever rest, — Katya persisted. — Maybe you could … Read more
— Dear guests, I have a special gift for my husband’s birthday, — Svetlana pulled a small box out of her bag, and her mother-in-law’s face turned green with anger. — Shame! Aren’t you ashamed, you promiscuous woman?! — Galina Arkadyevna burst out. The guests fell silent. A hush fell over the table… Svetlana’s husband … Read more
A young and beautiful woman sat in her cozy office, thoughtfully staring ahead. Alena Kirillova slowly turned her head toward the mirror on the desk. As always — flawless. But under her eyes was fatigue, and no wonder: the last deal had been difficult. However, it ended successfully. Yet Alena’s thoughts were far from business. … Read more
The phone burst into a ringtone at five in the morning. Ira jerked awake, nearly falling off the bed, and automatically reached for the bedside table. Through the pre-dawn haze in her head, one thought broke through: “Don’t wake Misha.” Her husband was asleep, turned toward the wall, his steady breathing undisturbed—neither war nor flood … Read more