You don’t even realize how much your mediocrity and dullness irritate me now,» Andrei said, his eyes flashing. «I don’t need a gray mouse; I deserve more!» «Do you really think money makes you better?» Olga replied, her voice full of pain, trying to hold back tears. The evening light cozily illuminated the kitchen where … Read more
This day seemed to stretch on endlessly. Klara simply couldn’t understand why Leonid had arranged this meeting on the Embankment—the very place where they had first met. What was he up to? In the past, her husband had rarely shown a romantic streak: the most he ever did was bring her a bouquet on a … Read more
Masha, listen to me. Just wait, don’t cry. The place I’m going to pays really well. It just turned out this way, but we can’t give up. I’ll earn money, and we’ll start over.» Ivan tried to reassure her. Masha shook her head in despair. «No, Ivan, no. No money is worth a life.» «What … Read more
I asked you to look after our son like a human being! How can you be so heartless? The child is soaking wet, and you’re just staring at your monitor!» «Why are you starting this now?» Vadik grimaced, glancing over his shoulder at the baby crib. «The boy is lying there quietly, not crying. Why … Read more
Svetlana sat on a bench outside the maternity hospital. Her heart was heavy with the realization of the mistake she had made. Perhaps it would have been better to leave the baby here for the state to take care of. But there was no other choice left — her partner had disappeared without a trace … Read more
«Well, son, tell me, how is it in the city?» his mother bustled around the stove, constantly adding hot pies to the plate. Nikita smiled, looking at her gray crown. Always the same—always in motion, always busy. Just more wrinkles and a bit more bent back. «It’s quiet, mom. We finally finished the renovation.» … Read more
«Did you see what she arrived in today? They say daddy gave it to her for her birthday.» «And the bag? Easily costs a couple hundred thousand!» «Forget the bag. Look at her manicure—those rhinestones alone are worth my monthly stipend!» Marina frowned, listening to her classmates whisper. Vika Solovyeva, the only daughter of … Read more
Philip had loved Elizabeth since school, and they planned to get married in the future. Philip’s mother, Angelina Semyonovna, who managed a maternity ward at the hospital, disapproved of her son’s choice. She had long favored a nurse named Christina and hoped her son would marry this girl, who was liked not only by the … Read more
«Anya, I’m home,» called Vera as she entered the apartment. A thirteen-year-old girl emerged from the room. «Mom, you’re home early today.» «Yes, I came home a bit early. Next week I’ll need to work a couple of hours more. How are you? How’s school?» «Fine, nothing new.» «You look a bit pale. You should … Read more
Mom, you have to help me.» «I’m sorry, sweetheart, but I don’t have to do anything for you.» Those words hung in the air like heavy raindrops before a storm. Yekaterina Vasilyevna gripped the phone receiver so tightly her knuckles turned white. On the other end of the line, a deafening silence prevailed. «What do … Read more