I never considered myself a simpleton. On the contrary, I had plenty to be proud of in this life. I managed to escape from a tiny town, move to a big city, get a good job there, and even buy a three-bedroom apartment. Then I got married, and it seemed my happiness knew no bounds. … 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
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
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
— Roma, I handed all the envelopes over to my mom. When they were handed out, you could feel the contents and there were decent stacks. — I felt it too, Svetochka, it’s clear that my dad holds a high position in the government. But I’ve long refused his handouts, ever since I started working … Read more
Touch it again, and I’ll break your fingers! Never, you hear me, never dare touch my phone!” Vadim furiously snatched the phone from his wife’s hands. “My love, forgive me, I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to look at our photos from yesterday…” Katya recoiled fearfully to the other end of the sofa. “Ask … 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
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
Relations between Masha and her mother-in-law were doomed from the very beginning. At their very first meeting, Lidiya Ivanovna decided that her future daughter-in-law was not “her kind of person.” She never missed an opportunity to convince her son that he had made the wrong choice: “Vitya, explain to me what exactly you see in … Read more
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