After Varvara found out the results of her latest exam, anxiety started to take over: her chances for a tuition-free spot were fading with each passing day. Despite her high scores, it was clear they weren’t enough for the coveted specialty. Varvara had a clear agreement with her parents: if she got into a free […]
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The morning air in Zavrazhye was filled with the smell of frozen earth and smoke from chimneys. A green “Ural” truck rumbled down the main street, carrying bags of sand mixture — they were planning to build a modular club on the site of the old barracks. Fedya the excavator operator, sharply turning the wheel, […]
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Did mom come by?” “Yes. And you know, I’m just shocked! How could you discuss transferring our apartment into her name? Behind my back?” “Zhanna, wait…” “No, you wait!” – Zhanna struggled to keep her voice steady. “We’ve been saving for six years. Together! My mom is contributing a third of the money. And she […]
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The phone rang with a long, nerve-wracking trill, filling the hallway with a buzz. Holding the phone to her ear, Varya focused intently on her shopping list. She wiped the raindrops from her face with the sleeve of her sweater, and with a small smile at something in the conversation, she stepped toward the door. […]
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Daniil ground his teeth so hard that his jaw started to ache — these endless lectures had driven him to the point of fury! He wanted to slam the door and leave, but his father, Saveliy Sergeevich, stood in his way like a steel wall and then firmly pushed him back. “Where do you think […]
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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 nothing, […]
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Going to the homeless again? That’s the fifth time this week,” I said, sipping my coffee while browsing the morning news on my tablet. “They probably consider you a saint by now.” Alina froze, holding the bags. That familiar smile appeared on her face — restrained, with a hint of hurt, a look I’d learned […]
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Do you believe in miracles, Maria?” Fyodor sat down on the porch step, wiping sweat from his forehead. “In the idea that heaven might answer your prayers?” “I believe in hard work and persistence,” Maria replied, touching his shoulder, then froze, squinting toward the far end of the dusty road. “Look over there…” The July […]
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In the middle of the school year, a new student appeared when everyone had long since gotten used to each other. Nobody knew where she had come from, and few cared enough to ask. Her name was Masha — a thin girl with narrow shoulders and huge eyes filled with anxious anticipation. On her feet […]
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Mom, I need to have a man-to-man talk with you,” Alyoshka announced seriously, fixing his bright blue, sky-colored eyes on her. Well, good morning to you too. Natalia placed a plate of scrambled eggs and a cup of cocoa in front of her son and sat down next to him. “I’m listening carefully, Alexey.” Her […]
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