“Oksana, we need to talk. Seriously.” His voice, stripped of its usual evening relaxation, made her stop chopping vegetables. The knife froze halfway through a crunchy celery stalk. Oksana threw a quick glance at her husband over her shoulder. Vadim was leaning against the doorframe, looking as if he was preparing not for dinner, but … Read more
“You bought the wrong bread again,” my daughter-in-law Katya’s voice grated on my ears as I was unpacking the bags in the kitchen. “I asked for yeast-free. I’ve asked you five times.” She deliberately took the loaf I brought and spun it in her hands as if it were some exotic and poisonous caterpillar. “Katya, … Read more
“While we’re relaxing at your dacha, you should send your wife with the kids to her mother’s so she doesn’t bother us!” — the friends told the owner of the plot. Friday evening had come. The roof of Ivan’s country house shimmered with the sunset’s reflections, creating a cozy atmosphere on the young homeowner’s countryside … Read more
— So you’re from the village? We thought you were a city girl. Well then, wait up, I have a special drink for you for the celebration—you’ll definitely like it! — said Mark Ivanych and ran off to the pantry, jingling bottles. — What’s that? — Tatiana didn’t quite understand all the fuss from Ivanych, … Read more
At exactly 11:00, all the relatives were seated at the table of the frail, 90-year-old grandmother, who could barely take care of herself. She didn’t even quite realize what day it was or why she had been seated at the table with a shot of wine poured for her. All she really wanted was to … Read more
Lida, startled, dropped the glass jar she was washing. The jar shattered on the floor, scattering shards everywhere, and Zoya squealed, crouching down in fright. “Quiet, girls! No scandals in my house! You both carry my children, so carry them!” Grandma Manya had come in from the yard, catching the scene in full swing. … Read more
“I’m pregnant,” I said, and a smile spread across my face on its own. Kirill, standing by the window, froze. He didn’t even turn around, but I saw his shoulders tense in the reflection. I expected hugs, joyful shouting—anything but this strange, frozen posture. “I am too,” came Lena’s quiet voice. My sister stepped out … Read more
“What is a child without roots?” “No one. A shadow in search of shape,” I answered. Mikhail stirred his coffee slowly, seated across from me in the designer kitchen I once thought would fill the emptiness. “You felt like a ghost all your life?” he asked gently. I met his eyes—my only true friend. The … Read more
The door to the auto shop squeaked obnoxiously. The smell of gasoline and motor oil hit my nose—the scent of my past, the one I’d been running from for so long. In the middle of the bay, beneath a Ford hanging on chains, stood him. Sergei. My ex-husband. The same as ever—in a greasy coverall, … Read more
It all began in the noisy hallway of an elementary school, where children’s laughter bounced off the walls and the air carried the mingled scents of hot lunches — cutlets, burnt bread, and something sweet. Amid the chaos of chatter, footsteps, and games, a little girl named Lilia noticed what no one else seemed to … Read more