An icy storm had covered the provincial town of Lesogorsk. In the dim light of the hospital lamps, in the realm of nighttime silence, Marina Borisova — an experienced administrator, former social worker — was enjoying a rare pause behind the registration desk. But at 9:47 PM, the hospital door creaked open, letting in a … Read more
Without me, you’re nothing but empty space, Anna. Remember that well,” Igor said as he threw the last piece of clothing into the suitcase and slammed the zipper shut. His words sliced through the dim apartment like a cold blade. Anna stood in the doorway, her fists clenched until it hurt. She remained silent—not out … Read more
In the classroom, silence prevailed. The students diligently wrote their tests. Albina Romanovna walked back and forth near the board, watching the kids. Suddenly, her attention was distracted by someone knocking at the door. The teacher left the classroom. “Hey, Tarasov! So, did the bums chip in for your tux for the prom?” Genka Rodkin … Read more
You’re making that sour face again. Maybe you should see a gastroenterologist?” Maria smirked without even turning around. She was chopping onions for the salad, but her hand trembled, and the knife hit the wooden board with a dull thud. “Did you even hear what I said?” Alexey came closer and placed his palms … Read more
That day was motionless, like a sunset flooded with lead. The air wasn’t just still — it seemed to press down to the ground, thick, dense, heavy like molten iron. Everything around froze under an invisible dome of heat. Not a single leaf stirred on the trees, not a single bird pierced the air with … Read more
Elena woke up first, as usual. Maxim was sleeping beside her, arms spread out over the blanket. The sun was breaking through the thick curtains, lighting up the familiar outlines of the bedroom. Three years ago, she had brought her husband into her home. Now, sometimes it seemed that it was Elena who was living … 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
Stop!” I shouted across the entire field, but the small figure kept slowly moving between the stalks. August was scorching hot. I was returning from the river, carrying a bucket of laundry, when I noticed her — a five-year-old girl in a shabby dress. She was walking strangely, as if in a trance. “Hey, little … Read more
Anton tapped his fingers irritably on the steering wheel, watching the endless stream of pedestrians crossing the street. “When will this ever end?” he ground out through clenched teeth. “The whole city’s clogged with some poor souls without cars.” Bored in the traffic jam, he started looking around. To his left, a luxury SUV pulled … Read more
The evening at the café was going as usual—calm, measured, as if time itself decided to linger on this cozy note. Anya skillfully carried orders, moving between tables with her usual grace, as if she knew every step in advance. Her movements were precise, her face lit up with a friendly smile, and her voice … Read more