Victoria noticed how her mother’s hand trembled while setting plates for Sunday lunch. It was their tradition—to gather together once a week, although it became increasingly difficult to force a smile. Especially when her stepfather turned every meeting into a silent battle. “Dear,” Andrei theatrically adjusted the very tie, “please pass the salt. You know, … Read more
It was unbearably hot on the bus, and neither the open hatches nor windows offered any relief to the weary passengers angry about the massive traffic jam. Olga was returning from work, idly pondering what to cook for dinner. Of course, her imagination conjured up exclusive dishes like marbled beef or truffle ravioli. Sighing, she … Read more
Mikhail woke up in horror, with cold sweat streaming down his face. The same cursed dream again. It used to be rare, but now it was a constant companion of his nights. Getting out of bed, Mikhail, as always, headed to the kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water, trying to calm the trembling … Read more
The day turned out to be chaotic. Vera hadn’t dealt with such difficult clients in a long time. She even wanted to send him away for good, but Vera valued her reputation, and her law firm was one of the most popular in the city. She returned home dreaming of a hot shower, fragrant tea, … Read more
I will not take my mother in. I’m often away on business trips, I have no time to deal with an old sick woman,” Nikita said bluntly. A flicker of worry passed through his eyes. “What if she starts a fire or a flood? Who will be responsible then?” “I won’t take her either,” Boris … Read more
The evening light softly streamed through the large windows of a cozy little restaurant named “Old Town.” Pavel, wiping down the tables after the last guests had left, automatically arranged the salt shakers and adjusted the tablecloths. The day was coming to an end, but fatigue weighed on his shoulders like a heavy burden. He … Read more
Marina unlocked the apartment door, entered, and turned on the light in the hallway. The first thing that caught her eye was a pair of red women’s shoes in the hallway. She recognized them instantly; they were shoes… At work that morning, Marina felt ill. She experienced sudden nausea and dizziness. She had been … Read more
Alina sat in the kitchen, feverishly gulping down bitter, long-cold, and tasteless coffee, quietly crying. The children slept soundly in their beds, dreaming interesting dreams and sniffling with their little noses, while she just couldn’t fall asleep. Everything that had happened had so drained her that tears simply rolled down non-stop, from despair and … Read more
Nazim’s bakery was renowned throughout the region and always enjoyed high demand from customers. Both adults and children loved the tasty baked goods. For his little culinary fans, Nazim always had a discount in place, bringing a smile and gratitude from their parents. Nazim, along with his family, came to Russia many years ago when, … Read more
Maria never liked being in her mother-in-law’s kitchen. Something about the room always seemed off to her, as if the walls themselves held some secret. Perhaps it was the stern gaze of Anna Petrovna, who, even in her absence, seemed to watch every move her daughter-in-law made through old photographs on the walls. That … Read more