In one of the large business centers, where day after day bustling business activity took place, worked a woman named Maria. Her profession — cleaning lady — was not associated with anything remarkable in the eyes of most employees. To everyone, she was simply part of the familiar background: the soft rustle of a brush … Read more
“— Miss, may I help you?” he called to the woman, noticing how she was struggling to carry two heavy bags. “— Sorry to approach so suddenly, but it looks like the bags are about to slip from your hands. Let me carry them for you.” “— Oh, really? Are you sure? Aren’t they too … Read more
Madam, you don’t have a ticket. Please get off the bus,” the driver snapped, looking at the frail woman in the old coat who was barely clinging to the handrail to keep from falling. The bus was nearly empty. Outside, wet snow was falling slowly, and gray twilight had enveloped the city. She said … Read more
When Sofia announced that she was going to marry a man with a disability, her loved ones seemed to lose the power of speech. Her family was in shock, her friends were stunned, and distant relatives gathered for an informal family council as if deciding a matter of national importance. Everyone felt it was their … Read more
Zhanna didn’t utter a word when saying goodbye to her husband. The doctors said he was leaving — slowly but inexorably. She left the hospital overwhelmed with grief, still feeling the warmth of his fingers in her hands. While she was near Denis, Zhanna remained strong. She tried not to show fear, not to reveal … Read more
And when she entered the restaurant, her mother couldn’t believe her eyes…” “Have you completely lost it?” she almost shouted, recoiling as if caught red-handed. “Me? In this? Playing your fiancée? Yesterday, I was digging food out of the trash!” He calmly clicked the lock, closing the door, and, tiredly leaning against the wall, … Read more
A seven-year-old orphan boy lay in the hospital room, as if already cut off from life. He was a lonely child — without parents, without love, without a chance, or so it seemed to everyone around. Only the doctors, the ticking clock, cold walls, and the hum of medical machines. They were about to disconnect … Read more
My name is Marina. I’m 29 years old. I’m Anya’s older sister — the one who was always held up as an example to her in childhood. Until one day, I simply stopped being noticed as soon as the younger sister was born: bright, loud, irresistible. Anya always knew how to be the center of … Read more
You will become the brightest star, the most talented of all. They will surely notice you, and your name will appear on all the posters.» Sophia cried, burying her face in the blanket that covered her father. His hand, weak but still warm, slid through her hair. «Don’t cry, my girl, please. You can’t fool … Read more
An elderly man hesitantly approached the grand entrance of a fashionable restaurant. His suit was neatly pressed but noticeably worn — apparently, he had worn it many years ago and had only just put it on again after a long time. His gray hair lay in sparse strands, as if unsure whether to stay in … Read more