Ana, how much longer are you going to whine?» Marina said, placing her latte cup irritably on the glass table and pushing the plate of almond cookies towards her friend. «All husbands go on business trips, and your Sergey is no exception. You’re acting like a spoiled teenager!» Anna slowly stirred her silver spoon in … Read more
In the half-empty apartment, it was unusually quiet. Grigory opened the door with his key and entered, not warning anyone that he would return so soon. A sharp gust of wind pulled the front door inward and slammed it shut. It was a dull, muffled sound. Only the small window seemed surprised at the return … Read more
Marina sped down the street as if on wings, her heart overflowing with joy from unexpected freedom. A spring breeze playfully tousled her hair, and the sun gently touched her skin. She decided to surprise her mother-in-law, Anna Petrovna, and visit her unannounced. Approaching the old Khrushchyovka, Marina paused for a moment. The peeling paint … Read more
Alenushka, please… listen to me!» the mother-in-law sobbed. «No, Vera Vasilyevna. There’s nothing to talk about,» Alena cut her off. She looked at four-year-old Valyusha, who was a spitting image of his father. But now, that no longer mattered. Not long ago, Alena would have given anything to hear these words. Back when she was … Read more
Innochka, my granddaughter, why are you crying?» Ekaterina Andreevna asked her twenty-four-year-old granddaughter. «I am needed by no one!» the girl said bitterly. «Everyone just looks out for their own benefit, and no one cares about me!» «How can you say you are not needed? What about me? Your mom and dad? From what … Read more
— Elizaveta, I’m leaving early today. Will you close the kiosk by yourself? And if necessary, cover for Mrs. Anatolyevna, okay? — Elizaveta almost whispered. — Are you even asking, silly! — her partner replied, biting off a piece of fresh bun. — You can always count on me for that. Although, I must admit, … Read more
— Elizaveta, I’m leaving early today. Will you close the kiosk by yourself? And if necessary, cover for Mrs. Anatolyevna, okay? — Elizaveta almost whispered. — Are you even asking, silly! — her partner replied, biting off a piece of fresh bun. — You can always count on me for that. Although, I must admit, … Read more
Olga and Maxim left the courthouse together. Both had calm expressions on their faces. To an outsider, nothing would suggest that this couple had just dissolved a fifteen-year marriage. «I need to stop by work. Can you give me a lift?» Olga asked her ex-husband. «How will you pay me back?» Maxim teased. «I’ll make … Read more
And what, you’re just going to leave like that?! Ksyusha, then you clearly don’t respect my parents! And that means you don’t respect me either!» Anton yelled at his future wife, who was frantically throwing things into her bag at the time. «Anton, I’m sorry, I can’t stay. Something definitely happened to Dad, he hasn’t … Read more
Andrey, a young vegetable seller at the market, began each day the same way. As soon as dawn broke, he was already at his spot, neatly arranging boxes of vegetables, fruits, and greens on his small stall. The work was not easy. In the morning, you get up before everyone else, then you lug these … Read more