Mother, don’t be afraid, I will return, I will avenge everyone. You will see me in the village in the evenings.

Recently, my grandmother passed away at the age of 96. She often told me intriguing stories, and one of them still sends shivers down my spine… Nina Arkadyevna, that was my grandmother’s name, was born in a village. Her mother, Antonina, had five children in total, and Nina was the youngest. The father of the … Read more

She took the blame for her beloved, and when she got out, a worse blow awaited her – “Kovalyova, you’re released.”

Kovalyova, you’re free to go.” These were the words Nastya had been waiting to hear for five long years. Five years behind bars. It wasn’t just a sentence—it was a whole life ripped from her hands. Anastasia squinted, trying to shield herself from the dazzling sunlight. Now, finally, her torment was over. How she had … Read more

Entering the forest shack, the fugitive prisoner stumbled upon a mother sitting by her daughter’s crib. What happened next was unexpected.

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

“Congratulations on the INHERITANCE FROM YOUR AUNT!” exclaimed the mother-in-law.

Victoria stared at yet another unpaid bill spread out on the kitchen table. She automatically adjusted a stray lock of hair and sighed heavily. In the next room, Artem enthusiastically described his new project—an online self-development course—to someone over the phone. “Imagine, it’s simply revolutionary!” his excited statement reached her. Victoria bitterly smiled. Over five … Read more

I need to feed myself. There’s just a week until I get my pension, counting every penny to get by…” whispered the grandmother.

Kirill sliced the meat automatically, guiding the heavy knife across the cutting board with steady confidence. The blade slipped through the fibers with ease, the fat separating effortlessly; his movements were precise and habitual. It was just another ordinary day: the buzz of customers’ voices, the ring of the cash register, the smell of fresh … Read more