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
I still remember that day — as if it collided with my life forever. The doctor was holding the X-rays, quickly speaking about abnormalities, areas of damage, and functional deviations. The words flew through me like wind through an empty window. I sat there, unwilling to understand. I couldn’t. But one sentence pierced my heart … Read more
Valery had just pulled up to the house and was parking in the courtyard when he heard the scream of his wife, Alyona. The man could not be mistaken, it was definitely his spouse. «Damn, what happened again?» he thought anxiously and hurried to finish parking. The elevator, as if to spite him, was slow … Read more
They talked, laughed, and then began to dance. Later, he said, “I’ll walk her home.” He only returned in the morning. Without a single word of apology. Katya sat in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring the cooled oatmeal in her bowl with a spoon. Her face was frozen, like a mask. Fifteen years of marriage, two … Read more
That day started like any other. I was sorting through old photographs in the closet, preparing for our wedding anniversary with Oleg—thirty years together. Among the pictures, I came across one from a college party: me, Svetka, and the girls celebrating the end of exams. Who would have thought that so many years later… “Ira, … Read more
Olga once again scrutinized her reflection. She was wearing an elegant dark blue dress that perfectly accentuated her figure. Pearly earrings—a birthday gift from her mother-in-law—added a special charm to her fair skin. Today, she had to look impeccable. Nervously, she adjusted a stray lock of hair and took a deep breath. «Sweetheart, you’ve … Read more
Dasha? What are you doing here?» Svetlana was so shocked she could barely speak. Thoughts were spinning in her head, and jealousy and resentment were boiling in her soul. Why were they doing this to her? Hadn’t she loved her husband? Was she a bad wife and mother to their son? But what happened next … Read more