Dima had dreamed of becoming a doctor for as long as he could remember. But life seemed determined to throw obstacles in his way. First, his father died unexpectedly — a loss that knocked the solid ground out from under his feet. Then his mother fell ill: nerves and the constant struggle of working two … Read more
— Where do you think you’re going? We can manage without sour cream!” the mother-in-law tried to stop her. “Come on, I’ll be back in fifteen minutes on my bike!” Dasha was already rolling her iron horse out onto the porch. “Who eats borscht without sour cream anyway?” Anna Vasilyevna smiled, shaking her head … Read more
Anna slowly stirred her coffee, feeling the tension build in her shoulders. Familiar voices echoed from the kitchen wall—her husband Sergey was explaining something to his mother, and she, as always, interrupted him with her admonishments. “Sergey, you must control the family budget!” Valentina Nikolaevna’s voice pierced the quiet of the apartment. “The man is … Read more
Nikit, did you forget that we’re starting the renovation in the nursery tonight?” Marina asked, pouring her husband a morning cup of coffee. “I remember, of course. I promised,” Nikita replied, hurriedly buttoning his shirt. “I bought all the materials yesterday, just as we agreed.” Marina smiled, looking at her husband. They had been married … Read more
Olga was eagerly flipping through a culinary magazine, making notes in the margins. The new recipe for French julienne caught her particular attention. “I’ll have to try adding porcini mushrooms instead of champignons,” she thought, imagining how she could surprise her husband with the unusual taste. Cooking had always been her passion. She could spend … Read more
Where’s my dinner?” came the hoarse voice from deep inside the apartment as soon as Marina stepped over the threshold. She froze, still wearing her coat, and sighed heavily. The workday had been especially tough — her boss had overloaded her with reports, the bus had broken down, and she had to walk three stops … Read more
Anastasia was arranging the buns, taking her usual place behind the counter. The scent of baked goods filled the small shop. She liked working in the residential area of Yekaterinburg. For Anastasia, this store was more than just a business. It was a legacy she received from her parents. The bell over the door rang, … Read more
Nicholas Miller had dreamed of luxury his entire life. Born in a small provincial town, he knew from an early age that he wanted more. His childhood was spent in a cramped apartment with noisy neighbors and a constant shortage of food. On TV, he saw houses with ocean views, expensive cars, carefree people—and Nicholas … Read more
Nicholas Miller had dreamed of luxury his entire life. Born in a small provincial town, he knew from an early age that he wanted more. His childhood was spent in a cramped apartment with noisy neighbors and a constant shortage of food. On TV, he saw houses with ocean views, expensive cars, carefree people—and Nicholas … Read more
Lena reread the familiar message from Galina Ivanovna for the umpteenth time. She was about to put the phone down when it beeped again — a new message. “My kitchen faucet is dripping too. Maybe you and Lyosha could come take a look? And bring the money for the utilities while you’re at it.” Lena … Read more