Marina was in the kitchen of a small roadside restaurant, holding a hot cup of tea. Outside the window, the summer morning was gradually gaining strength, and in an hour the restaurant was to open its doors to customers. Marina’s colleagues—waitresses Sveta and Olya, also young girls—were sitting nearby. “Listen, Marinka,” Sveta began, biting a … Read more
The music playing in the club was so loud that it felt like it wasn’t just filling the room but literally pressing against my ears. The bass throbbed in my chest, making my heart beat in time with the rhythm, and it was even hard to think through the deafening noise. I stood in the … Read more
— You bought the wrong buckwheat again! How many times do I have to explain that “Mistral” is money down the drain! — Mom, maybe it’s not worth making a big fuss over some grains? — Don’t you dare talk back to me, Sergey! Your wife needs to learn how to save money! The apartment … Read more
In their family, everyone was used to seeing Grandma Katya as a gentle, conflict-free person who was ready to sacrifice herself for the well-being of her children and grandchildren. Her sons—Lyosha and Yury—had long since started their own families and lived separately, but they regularly sent their children to visit Grandma. No one even doubted … Read more
Slowly, as if afraid to scare away the moment or shatter the fragile illusion of reality, I turn my head. The world around seems to freeze, leaving only him in the spotlight — the taxi driver sitting behind the wheel, as if born from my deepest memories. An icy lump immediately tightens in my chest, … Read more
“Now the apartment is for three!” declared Valentina Petrovna, rolling a large suitcase on wheels into the hallway. “You’re mistaken, it’s for one,” I replied, staring at my mother-in-law wide-eyed. But she was already taking off her coat and hanging it on my coat rack as if she had lived here all her life. Igor … Read more
No one ever took Agafya under their wing. And who needed her — so unfinished? Her face was okay, even considered rather pretty, but she didn’t grow tall — just a little over a meter. And most importantly — she was skinny like a willow branch. Thin, almost childlike figure — what kind of housewife … Read more
After the divorce from her husband and the division of the apartment, Ksenia had to settle almost on the outskirts of the city. She got a two-room apartment that had hardly ever been renovated. At least, that was Ksenia’s first impression. But she was one of those women who aren’t scared of anything—hardened by family … Read more
A call from my mother caught me while I was working on reports at the office. She never called during work hours—she knew I was busy. Her voice sounded uncertain, as if she herself didn’t quite know what to ask. “Anyuta, I have a delicate matter to discuss with you…” I put down my pen … Read more
In the very heart of a cozy, warm restaurant, decorated with the soft glow of candles and the aroma of fresh pastries, a meeting full of unexpected turns took place. That evening, Alina, a beautiful, confident woman and owner of a chain of upscale restaurants, was sitting at one of the tables, enjoying the moment. … Read more