Victoria woke up early, before dawn. Outside, the autumn wind was rustling, chasing yellow leaves around the yard. The rain had stopped only by night, and now puddles made the asphalt gleam. Victoria got out of bed, threw on a robe, and went to the kitchen. Her mother-in-law was coming today, which meant everything had […]
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Svetlana had never liked Fridays. Before, when she stayed home with the children, Friday meant Igor would come back from work exhausted and spend two days sprawled on the couch, demanding quiet. Now Friday had become payday—and somehow that pleased her even less. She walked from the metro at a brisk pace, pressing the bag […]
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Everything started with little things. So subtle, almost “family-like.” “Lena, sunshine, could you help me?” — Galina Petrovna always called at the most inconvenient moment, as if she could sense when I had just sat down after work. “My utility bill came, and my pension won’t stretch to the end of the month. You know […]
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Zinaida slowly set her fork down on the plate. Sunday lunch at Roman Petrovich’s house followed the usual script—her father-in-law presided at the head of the table, handing out orders and remarks to everyone present. Most of it landed on her, the daughter-in-law he openly despised. “Salted the soup again,” Roman Petrovich pushed the bowl […]
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The smell of cheap cigarettes mixed with the acrid scent of smoked sausage hung in the air of the rented apartment like the ghost of a life that never happened. That smell was Artyom’s voice, and it grated on the ear, leaving a bitter aftertaste. “Are you out of your mind, Sofia? What child support […]
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The evening air over the industrial district was thick and heavy, saturated with the acrid fumes of fuel oil and the damp dust from asphalt being torn up nearby. Anna walked out through the factory gate, merging with a stream of equally tired women. Their shoulders were bent under the weight not only of the […]
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