— I already told you and I’m not going to repeat myself! Your sister and her boyfriend are not staying with us for a week! — Olesya turned away from her husband and continued arranging plush toys on the shelf in the nursery.
— Lesya, why are you being so stone-hearted? — Anton leaned against the doorframe, watching his wife slowly and awkwardly try to bring order to the room despite her huge belly. — It’s just for a couple of days. Their landlady’s lost it — she’s only giving them time to pack their things.
— A week, a couple of days… — Olesya snorted, stroking her belly. — Do you remember how it went last time? “Bro, just one week, two at most.” And then it turned into three months! Three! I came home every day to dirty cups, scattered clothes, and your sister didn’t lift a finger around the house.
Anton dropped his gaze. Of course he remembered. The fights, the tension, and how Olesya had finally given him an ultimatum — either Kristina leaves, or he leaves with her.
— It’ll be different this time, — Anton said quietly. — Kristinka promised…
— It will be different, — Olesya snapped, turning to face him. — Because Kristina is not staying here. Anton, look at me. — She placed her hands on her belly. — Two weeks until I give birth. Two. We live in a small apartment. The nursery’s ready. I can barely walk. I need peace and rest — not your late-night talks with Kristina in the kitchen, not her blasting music from the room, not her boyfriend walking around in his underwear like last time.
Anton looked away, trying not to recall the awkward moment when Kristina’s new boyfriend Denis had walked out of the shower wearing practically nothing and ran into Olesya in the hallway.
— Lesya, but she’s my sister. She’s in trouble…
— I’m in trouble too, Anton! — Olesya’s voice rose. — The problem is my husband makes promises to his sister and only tells me afterward. Have you even once asked how I feel about this? Have you thought what it’s like for me to share our tiny place with two more people while I’m like this?
— I… — Anton stammered. — Yes, I was wrong. But she called crying, and I just couldn’t say no. Kristina promised they’d be actively looking for a place. She wanted to apologize for last time.
— Apologize? — Olesya shook her head in disbelief. — For eating our food for three months without chipping in? For bringing over her noisy friends while we were at work? For making me do her laundry because she “didn’t know how to use the washing machine”? For borrowing my clothes for her parties?
Anton said nothing. He couldn’t defend his sister — Olesya was right about everything. Kristina, his younger sister, had always been spoiled. Their parents had indulged her, and when they died in a car crash five years ago, Anton had stepped in as her guardian — even though she was already eighteen.
— I’ll talk to her, — he finally said. — I’ll explain this isn’t going to work right now.
— You already promised her, didn’t you? — Olesya asked, narrowing her eyes.
— Well… — Anton hesitated.
— Oh my God, Anton! — Olesya threw her hands up. — You already told her she could come! Without even discussing it with me!
— I thought you’d understand…
— I only understand one thing, — Olesya stepped right up to him. — Either you call your sister right now and tell her you spoke too soon, or… — she took a deep breath to calm herself, — or I don’t know what’ll happen. But I am not putting up with her arrogance and laziness right before giving birth.
Anton looked at her, at her tired face, the dark circles under her eyes, her hands protectively resting on her belly — and suddenly felt ashamed. He really hadn’t thought about her, about what she needed right now — peace, security, a calm place to welcome their baby.
— Okay, — he said softly. — I’ll call her.
But inside, his stomach twisted with guilt — he felt like he was letting down his little sister, whom he’d always promised to protect.
The door slammed so hard that the stack of books on the hallway shelf shook. Olesya slowly sank onto the couch, feeling the baby kick sharply in response to the stress. She laid a hand on her belly, trying to calm both herself and the baby.
Anton had left. Just grabbed his keys, his phone, and walked out after his attempt to call Kristina turned into another fight. “I can’t just say no to her like that,” he’d said. “But it’s fine not to ask me,” Olesya had shot back.
It was around 10 p.m. Olesya knew he wouldn’t be back tonight — he’d probably gone to crash at his friend Pasha’s again, like he had after previous big fights. And that thought only made everything feel worse.
Her phone buzzed — a message. “I’m tired of this, Lesya. You’re always overreacting, always unhappy. I’m staying at Pasha’s. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Olesya didn’t reply. What was there to say? That she wasn’t overreacting, just trying to protect their little family — still just the two of them for now? That she couldn’t go through this again with Kristina, who treated their home like an all-inclusive hotel?
The phone buzzed again — a call this time. Olesya glanced at the screen and pressed her lips together. Kristina. Anton must’ve already told her about the problem.
— Hello, — Olesya’s voice was curt.
— Hi, Lesya! — Kristina’s voice was overly cheerful. — How are you? How’s the baby?
— Fine, — Olesya said shortly, not wanting to make small talk.
Kristina paused a second, then cut to the chase:
— Anton said you’re against us staying for a couple days. I was really surprised. I mean, we’re family, right?
Olesya smirked. “Family” — only when Kristina needed something. Never when Olesya asked her to wash a plate.
— Kristina, I’m two weeks from giving birth. I need peace.
— But we won’t even bother you! — Kristina said brightly. — Denis will be at work all day, I’ll be out apartment hunting, I can even help you…
— Like last time? — Olesya snapped. — When I got up at six for work and you two were still watching movies at three a.m.? When you said you’d cook dinner and ordered takeout instead?
— That was ages ago, I’ve changed, — Kristina said, sounding hurt. — This is totally different. We really have nowhere to go.
— What about Denis’s parents? Friends?
— His parents are in another city, and he’s embarrassed to ask his friends…
— But not embarrassed to stay with a pregnant woman in her ninth month? — Olesya felt the anger surge again.
— Look, I get it — pregnancy, hormones and all, — Kristina’s tone turned condescending, which pushed Olesya over the edge.
— This isn’t about hormones. I just don’t want people in my home who don’t respect me or basic decency! — Her pulse raced. She took a deep breath.
— Maybe we can talk it out together with Anton? — Kristina offered. — I’m sure we can find a compromise. Maybe we can even go in together on a bigger rental?
Olesya felt sick. Classic Kristina — ask for “a couple of days,” then pivot to a “shared apartment.” No way.
— No compromises, Kristina. I won’t let you manipulate this. Anton and I are starting a family. We need our space. You need to grow up and solve your own problems.
— Ah, so that’s it! — Kristina’s voice turned sharp. — You’re just jealous! You’re afraid Anton will care more about me than you! It’s always like this — the second he shows he cares about me, you flip out!
— I’m not discussing this. — Olesya was exhausted. — Say whatever you want to Anton. My decision stands.
She hung up before Kristina could respond. The phone rang again, but Olesya turned it off. Her hands trembled slightly, her mouth was dry.
“She always does this,” Olesya thought, getting up to fetch water. “Acts sweet, plays the victim, then blames me when things don’t go her way.”
She glanced at the fridge. Under a magnet was a wedding photo of her and Anton — smiling, glowing. Kristina was there too, next to her brother, all smiles. Six months later she had “temporarily” moved in, and everything began to unravel.
Taking a sip of water, Olesya tried to calm her pounding heart. She was sure Kristina was now spinning the story to make her look like a cold-hearted villain. And the idea that Anton might believe it… that hurt most of all.
Morning brought a heavy silence. Olesya had slept poorly — the baby was restless, and thoughts of last night’s fight wouldn’t let her rest. Sitting up, she touched the cold, empty side of the bed. He hadn’t come home.
The doorbell rang. Her heart jumped — had Kristina actually shown up? But when Olesya, in her robe, looked through the peephole, it was Anton. Shifting on his feet, holding a bakery bag.
— Hi, — he said when she opened the door. — I brought your favorite cinnamon rolls.
She stepped aside without a word. Anton looked worn out, with shadows under his eyes.
— Where are your keys? — she asked, puzzled.
But instead of answering, he said:
— Lesya, I’ve been thinking, — he said as he set the pastries down in the kitchen. — You were right. I should’ve talked to you before promising anything to Kristina.
Olesya watched him carefully, not rushing to reply. She wanted to believe him — but doubt lingered.
— So what did you tell her? — she finally asked, sitting down.
— That now isn’t a good time for guests, — Anton sat across from her. — That they’ll have to find another option.
— And how did she take it?
Anton looked away.
— As usual. First she cried, then said you hated her and were turning me against her.
Olesya crossed her arms over her chest.
— And you, of course, agreed.
— No! — Anton looked up at her. — I told her it was my decision too. That you and I are a family now, and soon we’ll be parents. That that’s what matters most.
Olesya felt some of the tension leave her. She reached for a bun and broke it in half.
— Thank you, — she said quietly. — Last night was really hard for me.
— I’m sorry, — Anton covered her hand with his. — I shouldn’t have left. And I shouldn’t have put you in that position.
A knock at the door interrupted them, followed by muffled voices.
— Are you expecting someone? — Olesya asked tensely.
Anton shook his head, but didn’t have time to reply — the doorbell rang. Two short rings, one long. That was exactly how Kristina always rang.
— Oh God, not this, — Anton whispered and stood up, heading for the door.
Olesya followed, her heart starting to beat faster with a growing sense of dread.
Anton opened the door. Standing there were Kristina and Denis, both with large backpacks and a suitcase.
— Surprise! — Kristina smiled like she didn’t understand why her brother and his wife were looking at her in shock. — We figured since we were already packed, we’d come discuss everything in person. And we brought a pie!
She held out a store box, but no one took it.
Denis looked awkward, avoiding Olesya’s gaze. He was tall, lanky, with perpetually messy hair and a deliberately careless style Olesya always associated with immaturity.
— Kristina, I told you— — Anton began, but his sister cut him off.
— Yeah, yeah, now’s not the best time, but when is? When we’re homeless on the street? — Her lip trembled. — Besides, we’re already here, and the baby’s not born yet, so technically everything’s fine.
Olesya stared at the scene in disbelief. It was so like Kristina — to ignore a “no” and just do what she wanted.
— You’re not staying, — Olesya said firmly. — I’m pregnant, due in two weeks, and I’m not going to spend that time dealing with your mess and noise.
— Oh, of course, — Kristina rolled her eyes. — Pregnancy — the perfect excuse for everything! You know, I’ve heard pregnant women often don’t even know what they want because of hormones.
Denis coughed, shifting uneasily.
— Kristina, maybe don’t—
— No, I will! — Kristina snapped. — I’m sick of this woman manipulating you, bro! First the wedding, then the baby — it’s all just to tie you down!
Olesya felt her face flush with anger.
— Shut your mouth, Kristina. This is our apartment and our life. You have no right to barge in here with your problems and demands.
— It’s my brother’s apartment too! — Kristina raised her voice. — And I’m his only sister! Or have you already made him forget that?
— Enough, — Anton’s voice was sharper than expected. — Kristina, this is a really bad time.
Kristina looked as if she’d been slapped. She wasn’t used to her brother speaking to her like that.
— So that’s how it is? — She gave Anton and then Olesya a disbelieving look. — This woman has you completely under her control!
— This woman is my wife. The mother of my future child, — Anton crossed his arms. — And I will always be on her side. Always.
Olesya felt a warmth spread through her from his words, but at the same time noticed Kristina’s face twist in fury.
— Of course! — she nearly shouted. — She gets pregnant and suddenly you’re ready to betray your own sister! Me! Our parents would be proud, huh?
— Don’t drag our parents into this, — Anton turned pale. — They would never have approved of your behavior. You’re acting like a spoiled child.
Denis shuffled uncomfortably, clearly wishing he was anywhere else.
— Maybe we should just leave and—
— No! — Kristina cut him off. — We’re not going anywhere until my brother comes to his senses! — She turned to Olesya with a sneer. — I guess you’ve made him forget what family means, huh? First our parents died, and now I’m dead to him too?
— Kristina, stop, — Anton warned.
— What? I’m just telling the truth! Ever since she showed up, you’ve drifted away from me. And now that I need help, you’re throwing me out like some beggar!
Something inside Olesya snapped. The stress of the past few days, the lack of sleep, the anxiety, the physical discomfort — it all crystallized into an icy calm.
— You know what, Kristina, — she said in a level voice. — You’re not a beggar. You’re a parasite. You’re used to everyone around you fixing your problems while you don’t even try to stand on your own. You call that family? Family means responsibilities too. It’s about caring for each other. When was the last time you asked how Anton’s doing? How his work is going? How he’s feeling knowing he’s about to become a father? — Olesya stepped forward. — Have you once asked how you could help? No. You just take, and take, and take.
Kristina opened her mouth, but Olesya didn’t give her the chance.
— And it wasn’t me who pushed you away from your brother. You did that yourself, with your selfishness. Anton has always supported you, always been there for you. And what did he get in return?
A ringing silence fell. Then Kristina turned to Anton.
— So that’s how you talk now?
Anton looked worn down but resolute.
— Olesya is right, Kristina. I’ve always tried to protect you, help you, but you refuse to grow up. You’re twenty-three and act like a teenager who thinks the world owes her something.
— Wonderful, — Kristina muttered through clenched teeth. — So this is the real you, huh, little brother. I’m glad our parents aren’t alive to see this. They’d be ashamed of you.
That one hit below the belt. Anton flinched as if in physical pain.
— Leave, — he said quietly. — Now.
— Gladly, — Kristina grabbed her backpack. — But remember this day, Anton. Remember that you chose her over your own sister.
— I chose my family, — Anton replied firmly. — The family I’ve created. And I will protect it from anyone — even you.
Denis picked up the suitcase, shooting Anton an apologetic look.
— I’m sorry, man. I told her this was a bad idea.
— And you still came with her, — Anton noted. — That says a lot too.
After the door shut behind them, Olesya and Anton stood in silence for a while. Then Olesya felt a tear slide down her cheek.
— I didn’t want it to end like this, — she whispered. — But I’m so tired of her selfishness.
Anton wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
— It’s not your fault. I should’ve talked to her a long time ago, but I kept making excuses, thinking she’d grow up… I just ended up spoiling her even more.
— Do you think she’ll ever understand?
Anton sighed.
— I don’t know. Maybe. But right now… right now I just want to focus on us. On our family.
He placed a hand on Olesya’s belly — and just then, the baby gave a strong kick, as if to echo his words.
— Looks like someone agrees with you, — Olesya smiled faintly.
They stood there, holding each other, both knowing things with Kristina would never be the same. Something had broken today — irreversibly. But in that moment, they also knew that their own small family had grown stronger. And it had been worth the fight.
