He sat on the cold metal bench, wrapped in a worn-out cloak—once worn while working as a master at the housing office. His name was Nikolai Andreevich. A pensioner, widower, father of a single son, and, as he had once thought, a happy grandfather. But all of that collapsed one day. When his son brought … Read more
Where’s my dinner?” came the hoarse voice from deep inside the apartment as soon as Marina stepped over the threshold. She froze, still wearing her coat, and sighed heavily. The workday had been especially tough — her boss had overloaded her with reports, the bus had broken down, and she had to walk three stops … Read more
Dima had dreamed of becoming a doctor for as long as he could remember. But life seemed determined to throw obstacles in his way. First, his father died unexpectedly — a loss that knocked the solid ground out from under his feet. Then his mother fell ill: nerves and the constant struggle of working two … Read more
Seven in the morning. Who the hell could be calling at seven on a Saturday morning? Marina groped for the phone on the nightstand without opening her eyes. — Hello? — Marinushka, dear, it’s me, Valeria Petrovna. Mikhail Semyonovich and I are already on our way up to you. Don’t worry, we have the keys. … Read more
Anya had always felt like a stranger in her own home. Her mother clearly favored her older sisters — Vika and Yulia — showing them much more care and warmth. This injustice deeply hurt the girl, but she kept her resentment inside, constantly trying to please her mother and get at least a little closer … Read more
Lisa knew that planning a wedding was a nerve-wracking business. She had read articles about it, listened to friends. But no one warned her that the biggest problem wouldn’t be the cost of the restaurant or choosing a photographer, but her future mother-in-law, Valentina Petrovna. The woman seemed to have made it her mission to … Read more
Marina adjusted the blanket over the sleeping Dima’s face and slowly climbed the stairs. The key turned with difficulty in the lock. The hallway was dim, with an unfamiliar woman’s jacket hanging on the coat rack and women’s boots on the floor. From the bedroom came muffled voices — her husband Denis’s voice and an … Read more
— If you don’t take your son to his father tomorrow, I will throw both of you out of the house! I don’t want to deal with your snot and tears at night! Do you understand me? The words struck Veronika like a slap, stinging her cheeks more painfully than a smack. She was sitting … Read more
— Sveta, here’s the thing. Mom needs help: the balcony windows have to be washed — she can’t manage it herself anymore. And groceries need to be bought for the week, the list is quite long. Can you go today? Kirill entered the kitchen wearing casual sweatpants and a crumpled T-shirt, radiating that relaxed weekend … Read more
From this moment on, I’ll tell you more in detail!” Nastya murmured with interest, carefully wiping dust and cobwebs off her face. True chaos reigned in her temporary hideaway. Sitting in that awkward position was extremely uncomfortable: she felt like sneezing, and her legs had long fallen asleep. But even such discomforts she was willing … Read more