On that January morning, Sergey, as usual, arrived at work by nine. He greeted the security guard, Uncle Kolya, and made his way to his fourth-floor office. The office smelled of coffee as always—Mikhailych, his neighbor to the right, was busy brewing his strong coffee with cinnamon. Just another ordinary day, one of many over … Read more
Vera flinched at Oleg’s harsh voice. She was carefully putting away the ironed clothes in the closet, trying not to disturb her husband, who was sprawled on the couch in front of the television. «Olezhek, I’m purposely avoiding your way so as not to block the screen,» she said in an apologetic tone. Despite the … Read more
Tatiana watched with sadness as the funeral home workers tidied up the grave—she had just said goodbye to the only person close to her. Tanya understood that her grandmother had struggled with her illnesses and advanced age, yet the tears continued to flow incessantly. Grandma had always hoped that Tanya would sort out her personal … Read more
The knock at the door came just as I was about to throw away another batch of burnt pancakes. Three in the morning—not exactly the ideal time for culinary experiments—but insomnia combined with VK video recipes is a dangerous mix. — “If it’s Petrovich again with his homemade moonshine, I swear I…” I mumbled, wiping … Read more
Varya nervously tapped her fingers on her cup of chamomile tea. She hadn’t expected such a turn of events. Just a week ago everything had seemed so bright—her parents had finally fulfilled their daughter’s dream by gifting her and her husband their own home. A two-room apartment in a new building, with a spacious kitchen … Read more
Irina and Anton met four years ago. The cheerful, kind, and rather smart thirty-year-old man immediately won the heart of native Muscovite Ira. — «Irunya, my dear, he’s as naked as a falcon! Only a couple of years ago, he moved here from his little town Urjukovka,» the girl’s mother sighed. — «Mom, not a … Read more
— Maria, how did this happen? — the woman sighed, looking at her daughter with worry. — Mom, everything’s fine, honestly, — Maria replied calmly. — I’m on vacation, so I can work there for a month, maybe even longer. The main thing is to figure out where the quotas disappear to and how the … Read more
— Irina, all your attempts are in vain,” said Tamara Petrovna, watching as the young woman braided her hair before the start of the workday. “— What exactly are you talking about?” Irina turned to the elderly nurse who had been working in the hospital for several decades. “— About your hopes for something serious.” … Read more
The morning sunbeams, breaking through the lacy curtains, formed intricate patterns of light on the oak parquet floor. The room was engulfed in absolute silence, interrupted only by the steady ticking of the old grandfather clock. Anna, a young woman with expressive brown eyes and thick hair the color of ripe wheat, stood by the … Read more
Will you marry me?» suddenly asked Stas, addressing Nadia. The girl stopped, looked at the young man with surprise. «What a silly joke,» she thought, but he immediately repeated: «Marry me.» This time his voice sounded different, and his gaze… Yes, his gaze—he wasn’t laughing, and that meant Stas was speaking from the heart. «Are … Read more