That evening, I was in the maternity ward, gazing at the tiny face of my newborn daughter. It seemed to me that nothing in the entire universe could be more delicate and amazing. I felt an incredible lightness, as if I were floating weightlessly, despite the pain accompanying the birth. The doctors congratulated me, claiming … Read more
June sunshine bathed the spacious kitchen in light, where Anna was leisurely preparing her morning coffee. The foam was rising in the cezve, and the apartment was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed drink. Igor appeared in the doorway, nonchalantly buttoning his shirt. “Good morning! It smells wonderful!” Anna poured the coffee into … Read more
Stas wearily stared at the blank sheet of paper before him. His thoughts scattered like frightened birds, leaving him in complete silence. No ideas, no inspiration—neither today, nor yesterday, nor in the past few weeks. His restaurant, once his pride and the meaning of his life, was slowly sinking, and he seemed incapable of doing … Read more
Anna hurried to the office after a business meeting with partners. To save time, she chose a shortcut through the city park. The bright sun illuminated the alleys, but a cold wind blowing from the river cut to the bone. Anna shuddered and wrapped her coat more tightly. Passers-by rushed past without noticing one another. … Read more
— Are you absolutely sure nothing is needed? — Lena repeated her question, striving to be as attentive as possible. — Oh, come on, everything’s there! — Dmitry replied, his voice laced with a hint of irritation. Lena felt his tone slightly sting her, but she decided not to pay attention. Lately, her husband had … Read more
Lera locked the car, and she and her husband hurried to the office entrance. Rain poured down from the sky, turning the street into streams of water. Colleagues who arrived a bit later were stuck at the parking lot, not daring to step out into the cold rain. They helplessly glanced at their watches—the workday … Read more
Anton had always considered himself the master of his life. Even back in college, he managed to move in such a way that his classmates could only gape in amazement. While others were slogging over textbooks, Anton was already busy with business. Sometimes he was reselling cars, other times he was assembling computers to order. … Read more
If I ever had questions about my place in the family, they were answered the moment I stumbled upon the will. I was in the family apartment—the very same one where I grew up and for which I had been paying the bills for the past five years: utilities, groceries, roof repairs, cleaning help. I … Read more
Vanya woke up earlier than usual. The room was dark and cool, with a draft coming from the window. He pulled the blanket up to his chin and closed his eyes for a moment, but sleep did not return. Outside, it was November—gray and chilly. The village streets were deserted, and it seemed as if … Read more
Pasha, Pasha, where are you?” Vasiliyna called her husband. It was already 6 AM. They had argued yesterday, and her husband had spent the night on the porch. There, in the summer kitchen, was a topchan—an old sofa converted for use. Usually, by this time, he would already be in the yard, feeding the chickens, … Read more