Svetlana sat on the bench. She had just been discharged from the maternity hospital, feeling the burden of a grave mistake. Perhaps she should have left the baby there for the state to take care of him. But Svetlana had no choice—she had nowhere else to go. As soon as her boyfriend learned of the … Read more
Yevgeny Mikhailovich was known as a thoughtful, consistent, and attentive person. He achieved everything on his own, without the help of influential relatives or connections. He always brushed off life’s setbacks, as he could coolly look at situations from the outside and think through his own actions to solve problems. Some thought he just … Read more
When asked a question by his nine-year-old daughter Arishka, her father was at a loss. He didn’t have an answer… He wasn’t a priest to discourse about God. Vasiliy was known in the district as a skilled stove setter, dexterous and always ready to work. Building a stove was his expertise, but answering such complex … Read more
In the toy store, there was everything you could imagine! From colorful Lego sets to huge bears sitting importantly along the display window. Anya had brought her son here, who was almost a second grader, and she herself was overwhelmed by the choices. ‘Vladik, choose, what would you like?’ she asked, spreading her arms and … Read more
A fragile girl with soft eyes stood at the train station holding a large bag of food. She came here almost every day to feed the homeless dogs. These places were a sanctuary for dozens of animals, and Alena knew them all as if they were her old friends. «Come here, buddy,» she called gently … Read more
Oksana was preparing dinner and humming to herself, finally ready to delight Nikita. They had been living together for ten years. Initially, they didn’t rush to have a child, enjoying their time together. Oksana wanted to work and gain experience. She was eager to land a job at a prestigious company and had promised that … Read more
Why did Herman Pavlovich name his pawnshop ‘Almaz’ (Diamond)?» Many thought the reason was because the pawnshop specialized in receiving jewelry. Herman didn’t feel the need to explain that it was quite different. The real reason was deeply personal and much more tragic. Five years ago, Herman had a daughter. His only princess—Mashenka. He loved … Read more
Louis Newman frowned as he observed a mother with three kids guided by a flight attendant to the seats next to him. He complained loudly, «This can’t be happening! How can she sit here? This needs to be fixed!» The flight attendant responded calmly, showing him the boarding passes, «I’m sorry, Mr. Newman, but Mrs. … Read more
«Quiet, darling, quiet. They will hear us.» The old apartment greeted me with the smell of lavender and antiquities. A typical museum of the Soviet era—carpets on the walls, crystal in the cabinet, and photographs, photographs, photographs. Honestly, I was a bit intimidated as I crossed the threshold. After the cozy provincial town, St. Petersburg … Read more
Vera! Can you hear me?» Alexei called out before he even entered the house. «I hear you,» the woman replied without taking her eyes off the screen she was drawing on with a stylus. «Igor and his wife and daughter are asking to stay with us!» Vera knew exactly who Igor was—her husband’s brother, … Read more