З життя
Кохана, поки я поряд з тобою, моя дружина дбає про наш дім
Номер був невідомий, але коли я відповіла, то почула голос мого чоловіка: «Моя дружина зараз готує і прибирає у ванній, поки я тут з тобою, моя кохана».
Коли мій чоловік сказав, що має бути на корпоративній вечірці, я нічого не запідозрила. Але потім подзвонив телефон, і те, що я почула, змусило мене завмерти. Почувши це, я взяла ключі від автомобіля — я була готова протистояти йому і наступного дня зібрати його речі.
Після десяти років шлюбу мені здавалося, що я знаю Богдана, як свої п’ять пальців. Але минулого тижня я зрозуміла, що навіть десять років спільного життя не можуть уберегти від зради — або від задоволення спостерігати, як справедливість завдає удару у найкращий момент.
Усе почалося досить невинно.
У четвер увечері Богдан увійшов додому, наспівуючи, із незвичайною жвавістю в кроці.
«Чудові новини!» — оголосив він. «Завтра компанія організовує вечірку для згуртування колективу. Тільки для працівників».
Він поцілував мене в лоб і кинув портфель на підлогу.
«Буде нудно, тож не варто турбуватися про те, щоб приходити. Просто купа робочих розмов і електронних таблиць».
Я підняла брову.
Богдан ніколи не був любителем вечірок. Його уявлення про розваги полягали у перегляді гольфу на телебаченні. Але я лише знизала плечима.
«Я не проти», — сказала я, вже обдумуючи список справ на наступний день.
На ранок він був ласкавішим, ніж зазвичай. Занадто ласкавим.
Коли я готувала сніданок, Богдан підійшов до мене ззаду, обхопив за талію і прошепотів:
«Ти ж знаєш, яка ти неймовірна, правда?»
Я засміялася. «З чого це все? Прагнеш отримати додаткові бали?»
«Може бути», — сказав він, простягаючи мені свою улюблену білу сорочку — ту саму, з набридливо розстібнутою кнопкою.
«Можеш випрасувати це для мене? О, і поки мене не буде, як щодо того, щоб приготувати мою улюблену лазанью? З великою кількістю сиру. Ти ж знаєш, як я її люблю».
«Щось ще, ваша величносте?» — піддражнила я.
«Власне, так». Він усміхнувся. «Не могла б ти прибрати і у ванній? Ти ж знаєш, я люблю, щоб усе було бездоганно. І ніколи не знаєш, коли у нас можуть з’явитися гості…»
Я закатила очі, але засміялася.
У Богдана були свої примхи, і, попри його забаганки, схожі на примадонну, я не надавала цьому значення. Якби ж я тільки знала…
Того дня я поринула з головою у хатні клопоти.
Пилосос гудів, пральна машина крутилася, а дім наповнювався ароматом лазаньї. У фоні грав мій плейлист для прибирання, і на мить життя здалося мені… нормальним.
Тоді задзвонив телефон.
Номер був невідомий.
Я майже проігнорувала його, але щось змусило мене підняти слухавку.
«Алло?»
Спочатку я почула лише гучну музику і приглушений сміх. Я нахмурилася, думаючи, що це розіграш.
Але потім я почула голос Богдана.
«Моя дружина?» — сказав він, сміючись. «Вона, напевно, зараз готує або миє унітаз. Вона така передбачувана. А тим часом я тут, з тобою, любов моя».
На фоні хихикнула жінка.
У мене звело шлунок.
Я застигла, притиснувши телефон до вуха, коли мій світ обернувся навколо своєї осі.
Тоді лінія обірвалася.
Через кілька секунд надійшло повідомлення — тільки адреса.
Ніяких пояснень. Тільки місце.
Я уставилась на екран, серце калатало.
Можливо, це було непорозуміння. Жарт. Але в глибині душі я знала… що це не так.
Я не плакала. Поки що не плакала.
Замість цього я схопила пальто, витягнула ключі і поїхала прямо до місця.
Лазанья могла почекати.
Богдан мав отримати сюрприз свого життя.
GPS привів мене до розкішного будинку на іншому кінці міста.
Дім був величезним, зі сяючими вікнами та ідеально доглянутою газоном. Зовні на під’їзді стояла ціла колекція дорогих автомобілів. Через скляні двері я бачила людей, які сміялися, пили, насолоджувалися життям.
Мій шлунок звело при вигляді знайомих облич.
Чи то Богдан був шокований, чи то я. Мені це потрібно було з’ясувати.
Коли я підійшла до входу, переді мною виник охоронець.
«Чим можу допомогти, пані?»
Я натягнула фальшиву усмішку. «Так, я просто прийшла занести щось для свого чоловіка».
Охоронець подивився на мене з підозрою, особливо коли помітив у моїй руці відро для прибирання. Всередині були туалетна щітка і пляшка дезінфікуючого засобу.
«Це високий хлопець у білій сорочці», — сказала я, зберігаючи спокійний голос.
Охоронець вагався, але, вирішивши, що я не становлю загрози, відступив.
Як тільки я увійшла, всі погляди звернулися на мене.
І ось він, Богдан.
Він стояв посеред кімнати, його рука обхоплювала жінку в обтягуючій червоній сукні.
Він виглядав жвавішим, ніж я його бачила за останні роки, сміявся, пив шампанське, наче йому не було до цього ніякого діла.
Моє серце стиснулося.
Кожна частинка мене хотіла кинутися на нього, але голос у моїй голові прошепотів: «Будь мудрішою. Зроби, щоб це закарбувалося».
Богдан побачив мене.
Колір зник з його обличчя. Він захлинувся напоєм і відступив назад.
«Оксано?» — заїкаючись, пробурмотів він, відстранюючись від жінки поряд з собою. «Що… що ти тут робиш?»
«Привіт, любий», — сказала я досить голосно, щоб усі почули. «Ти забув щось вдома».
Богдан збентежено кліпнув.
Я потягнулась до відра для прибирання і показала йому туалетну щітку і дезінфікуючий засіб.
«Оскільки тобі подобається говорити про мої навички прибирання, я подумала, що тобі це знадобиться, щоб прибрати безлад, який ти вчинив у нашому шлюбі».
По натовпу пронісся загальний подих.
Жінка в червоному відійшла від Богдана, явно відчуваючи себе незручно.
Але я ще не закінчила.
«Знаєте, — звернулася я до гостей, — Богдану подобається вдавати відданого чоловіка вдома. Але, як бачите, йому набагато цікавіше грати в домогосподаря з тим, хто погладить його его».
«Оксано, будь ласка», — в розпачі пробурмотів Богдан. «Ми можемо поговорити на вулиці?»
«О, тепер ти хочеш усамітнитися?» — відповіла я. «Де була ця турбота, коли ти насміхався наді мною за моєю спиною?»
Я повернулася до натовпу.
«Насолоджуйтесь вечіркою. І пам’ятайте: той, хто раз обманув, завжди залишиться обманщиком».
З цими словами я кинула відро до його ніг і вийшла, клацаючи підборами по мармуровій підлозі.
Коли я дійшла до машини, мій телефон знову задзвонив.
Той самий невідомий номер.
Повідомлення казало:
«Ти заслужила знати правду. Вибач, що все так сталося».
У мене затремтіли руки, коли я набрала номер.
Відповіла жінка.
«Алло?»
«Хто ви?» — запитала я.
«Мене звати Валентина, — сказала вона після паузи. «Я працювала з Богданом».
«Чому ви це робите?»
«Бо хтось мусив це зробити», — зітхнула вона. «Я кілька місяців спостерігала, як він бреше і обманює. Це викликало в мене відразу. Ти цього не заслуговувала».
Я важко зглотнула.
«Я попросила подругу зателефонувати тобі, щоб ти сама все почула. Тобі потрібно було знати».
Я на секунду закрила очі.
Я не відчувала злості. Я відчувала вдячність.
На наступний ранок Богдан виявив, що його сумки чекають біля дверей.
Коли він спробував увійти, замки вже були замінені.
Я не знаю, і мені не важливо, де він провів ніч.
На його телефоні було єдине повідомлення від мене:
«Насолоджуйся».
І вперше за багато років я усміхнулася.
Не заради помсти.
А тому, що нарешті моє життя знову було в моїх руках.
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You’re the Big Brother, So You Must Help Your Little Sister—You’ve Got Two Flats, Give One to Your Sister! Not long ago, we celebrated my sister-in-law’s birthday. Alina has never had any friendly feelings towards me, and I’ve always felt the same about her. The celebration brought together all our relatives: grandparents, nephews, and of course the birthday girl. Each relative felt obliged to congratulate my husband on his sister’s birthday, while also admiring his generosity. My husband and I graciously accepted the congratulations, but couldn’t grasp what was happening. In my hand was an envelope containing £100 as a present. I thought it was a decent gift for the occasion, though hardly a display of extraordinary generosity. Everything became clear when my mother-in-law began her birthday speech for Alina. “Mark,” she said, “it’s your sister’s birthday today. She’s still single and without a partner, so as her older brother you should look after her and guarantee her security. Now that you own two flats, you’ll give one to Alina.” The room burst into applause while I nearly fell off my chair at the cheekiness of it all. But it didn’t end there. “Brother, make sure you give me the one in the new build! So, when can I move in?” Alina pressed, and I decided it was time for some clarification. My husband and I actually have two flats. One I inherited from my grandmother; we did a bit of redecorating and now rent it out. The money from that pays the mortgage for our flat in the new building—where we actually live. My husband has no rights to the flat I inherited; I’ve always planned to pass it on to our child—my sister-in-law isn’t even in the picture. “Forget it, the rented flat is mine and the one you’re dreaming about is our home.” “Child, you’re quite mistaken. You’re my son’s wife, so all your assets are jointly owned and should be managed by your husband,” my mother-in-law chimed in. “I have no issue with you helping, but not with my assets!” I said. “Mark, do you have anything to add?” “Darling, you and I will earn more money and buy another flat. Let’s just give this one to Alina; it’s her birthday today.” “Are you serious?” I asked, astonished. “If it ever comes to that, you can give her half of our flat after we file for divorce!” “Aren’t you ashamed to speak to your husband like that? If you want a divorce, you’ll get one! Son, pack your things and come home. And you—you’re vile and greedy!” my mother-in-law snapped. After that, I left that crazy house. I wasn’t going to stick around with people who think they have the right to dispose of my property.
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Never Fully Forgotten Every day, Prokhor commuted home from work—first the London Underground, then the bus, until finally arriving at his flat. The journey took over an hour each way. His car spent more time parked than driven, as morning and evening traffic in London was so dreadful that taking the tube was much quicker. About two years ago, his family life changed—he and his wife quietly separated. Their daughter, who was seventeen at the time, stayed with her mother. Prokhor wasn’t one for loud arguments—he’d always disliked drama. He noticed his wife had changed for the worse; she grew irritable without reason, disappeared for hours, sometimes coming home late, always claiming she’d been with a friend. One day, Prokhor asked: “Where do you go so late? Most wives are home by this hour.” “None of your business. Those ‘normal wives’ are hens. I’m different—clever and sociable. Being home all the time suffocates me. And I’m not a country bumpkin like you. You were born that way and never changed.” “Then why did you marry a country boy?” “I chose the lesser of two evils,” she snapped, refusing to elaborate. After filing for divorce, she kicked Prokhor out of their flat, so he rented a place instead. He’d gotten used to it, wasn’t in a rush to remarry, but kept his options open. Prokhor travelled by tube, never wasting time, scrolling through his phone just like everyone else. He browsed the usual news, laughed at jokes, watched short clips—until an image made him stop and go back. He peered closer at the advert: “Folk Healer Mary—herbal remedies.” Prokhor stared into the eyes of his first love, gazing out from his mobile. An unrequited, hopeless first love—impossible to forget. He remembered the girl well from their school days. She was a bit eccentric, but beautiful. He nearly missed his stop, hurried off the train, walked home instead of waiting for a bus—he was driven by sudden nostalgia. When he got home, he left his coat in the hallway and sat on the low bench, still staring at his phone screen in the dark. He quickly scribbled down the number from the advert before his phone demanded charging. While waiting for his phone to charge, he tried to eat dinner, but had no appetite. Sitting in his lounge, old memories began to well up. Mary always stood out from day one. A quiet, modest girl with long braids and a skirt below the knee—unlike other girls. In their small village, everyone knew everyone, but nobody really knew anything about her. Mary lived with her grandparents just outside the village, in a beautiful, unusual timber house with ornate windows. As soon as Prokhor saw her, he fell for her—childishly, but seriously, or so he thought. Everything about her was unique. Mary would wear a headscarf outdoors, and had a small, hand-embroidered rucksack, which no one else owned. Instead of “Hello,” she’d say, “Good health to you,” as if from an old fairy tale. She never shouted on break, never ran in the halls; always polite, always calm. One day Mary didn’t come to school—the kids went to check on her after class, worried she might be ill. Prokhor went with them. As they turned the lane, they saw her fairy-tale house, but also a crowd—Mary’s grandmother had passed away. Mary stood, headscarf on, wiping away tears. Her grandfather stood beside her, somber and silent. The procession headed to the cemetery, and the children followed, even joining them for tea afterwards. That day stuck in Prokhor’s mind; it was the first funeral he’d ever attended. Mary returned to school after a day. Time marched on. The girls blossomed, wore makeup, competed with clothes—but Mary remained the same, upright, never painted, radiantly blushing. Boys began courting the girls, and Prokhor tried his luck with Mary. At first, she didn’t react, but at the end of Year 9, he asked: “Let me walk you home from school?” Mary looked at him seriously and quietly replied so no one else could hear: “I’m promised, Prokhor. It’s tradition.” He was disappointed, but didn’t understand the tradition, nor who “they” were. Later, he found out Mary was raised by her Old Believer grandparents—her parents had died long ago. Mary was an excellent student, never wore jewellery. Her classmates whispered behind her back, but Mary never cared and held herself with dignity. She grew more beautiful every year. By Year 10, she was striking. The boys admired her quietly, but never teased. After graduation, everyone scattered. Prokhor left for London to attend university. He knew only that Mary had married—never came home in holidays, went off to work on summer crews. Mary married her betrothed and moved to a rural area, living as a farmer’s wife, raising cattle and hay, running the household. She had a son—none of their classmates saw her again. “So that’s what Mary does,” thought Prokhor, sitting in the lounge. “She heals with herbs. She’s even more beautiful now.” He barely slept that night. At work, memories wouldn’t leave him—Mary’s beauty lingered in his mind. First love really does stir the heart. It never, ever fades. For days, he wandered in a haze, until he couldn’t help himself—he messaged her. “Hi, Mary.” “Good health to you,” she replied, unchanged in this. “What’s on your mind, or is something troubling you?” “Mary, it’s Prokhor—your old classmate. Remember, we used to sit together at school. I saw you online and wanted to write.” “Yes, I remember you, Prokhor. You were the best of the boys in class.” “Mary, your phone’s here—can I call?” “You may. I’ll answer.” That evening, he rang her. They talked, caught up on each other’s lives. “I live and work in London,” he explained. “You’d better tell me about yourself, Mary. Big family? Is your husband good to you? Where are you now?” “I live in my old house—the one I walked to school from. I came back after my husband died. A bear in the woods… And Grandfather passed long ago.” “I’m so sorry, Mary, I never knew…” “That’s alright, it was years ago. I’m at peace about it now. We don’t know about each other’s lives, do we? And you’re only calling as a friend, not looking for herbs? I sometimes advise…” “Just as a friend. I don’t need herbs. I saw you online and nostalgia hit me. I miss our village—mum’s been gone for years.” They talked of this and that, remembered old classmates, and said goodbye. Then silence—work, home, and after a week, Prokhor grew lonely and called Mary again. “Hello, Mary.” “Good health, Prokhor! Missing me, or are you unwell?” “Missed you, Mary. Please don’t be cross, but may I visit you?” he asked, quietly but hopefully, his heart racing. “Come along,” she said, unexpectedly. “Come whenever you wish.” “I’ve got holiday next week,” he said, delighted. “That’s great—come! You know the address.” He sensed she was smiling. He spent the week preparing, buying gifts for Mary, anxious—wondering if she’d changed, or if she was the same. After a week, he set off from London for his childhood village. Six hours on the road, but he didn’t mind—he loved a long drive. He was surprised by the changes when he arrived—new houses, a bustling town centre. He pulled over near a shop. “Wow, I thought our village was like so many others—run down. But it’s thriving!” he said aloud, looking around. “We’re not just a village—it’s a proper borough now,” said an elderly man proudly. “Been that way a while. You mustn’t have visited in years.” “Years, mate. Years,” replied Prokhor. “We’ve got a good mayor—cares about the place. That’s why the old village has blossomed.” Mary waited for Prokhor in the garden—he’d rung her as he approached the borough. Soon, as his car turned into the lane, Mary’s heart thumped wildly. Nobody ever knew she’d secretly loved Prokhor since schooldays. She’d kept it hidden; if he hadn’t come back, it would have remained buried forever. Their reunion was joyful; they talked for hours in the gazebo. The timber house had aged, but was still warm and inviting. “Mary, I’ve come to see you for a reason,” he said, and she looked at him seriously, a little afraid. “I’m listening—what is it?” she asked, tense. “I’ve loved you my whole life. Won’t you answer my love now?” he said, at last. Mary jumped up and hugged him tightly. “Oh, Prokhor—I’ve loved you since childhood, too!” Prokhor spent his holiday with Mary, promising as he left: “I’ll sort everything at work, go remote, and return. I’m never leaving here again. I was born here—here’s where I belong!” he laughed.
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I Don’t Understand Why I Became His Wife We Married Just Recently—I Thought My Husband Was Madly in Love With Me, Until One Mysterious Incident Changed Everything. It Wasn’t Infidelity, But Something Even Stranger and More Serious. Looking Back, I Realize I Probably Loved Him Too Much—Forgiving Everything, Putting Him On a Pedestal, and Hoping My Devotion Would Make Him Cherish Me. He Got Used to My Adoration, Became More Self-Assured, and Started Thinking Any Woman Would Worship Him at the Snap of a Finger—even Though He’s Not Really Admired by Others. Shortly Before Our Wedding, He Wanted to Be Alone and Go on Holiday—to Prepare Himself for Marriage, So He Said. I Accepted It and Let Him Go. Later, He Told Me He’d Gone to the Mountains to Escape Civilization—No Internet or Phone, Just Nature. I Stayed Behind, Missing Him Madly and Counting the Minutes Until He Returned. A Week Later, He Came Back—It Was the Happiest Day of My Life. I Welcomed Him With All the Warmth and Love I Had, Cooking His Favourite Meals. But the Next Day, Things Started Getting Weird. He Kept Rushing to the Hallway or Another Room and Soon, Began Leaving the House Several Times a Day With Different Excuses. One Day, On My Way to the Shop, I Found a Letter in Our Mailbox—Addressed to Me, From Him, Sent While He Was Away. What Was Written Inside Left Me Trembling: “Hello. I Don’t Want to Lie to You Anymore. You’re Not the Right Person for Me, and I Don’t Want to Spend My Life With You. There Won’t Be a Wedding. Forgive Me—Don’t Search For Me or Call Me, I Won’t Be Coming Back.” So Short, So Brutal… Only Then Did I Realize He’d Been Checking the Mailbox Constantly. Silently, I Destroyed the Letter, Saying Nothing, Never Letting Him Know I Knew. But How Can I Live With Someone Who Doesn’t Want to Be With Me? Why Did He Marry Me and Pretend Everything Was Fine?
I cant understand why I became his wife. We were married only recently. I had believed my husband was passionately...
Dandelion Jam A gentle and snowy winter has passed, and with spring’s arrival in our small English town, Taissa finds herself yearning for green leaves and colourful blooms. From her third-floor window, she gazes out at the awakening city where lorries rumble, the market buzzes, and people shed their winter wear for brighter coats. Birds sing before alarms; spring brings new energy, and soon, summer will be even better. Taissa, long settled in her five-storey block, now lives with her granddaughter, Vera, a lively Year Four pupil whose parents—both doctors—left for a work contract in Africa, entrusting their daughter to her grandmother. “Gran, we’re giving you Vera to look after, just for a while,” her daughter had said. “She’ll be happier with you than traipsing across the world.” Taissa, now retired, was delighted for the companionship. Each day is filled with routine: shopping, chatting with her neighbours on the chilly bench outside—the ever-watchful Mrs Simmons from downstairs, always mysterious about her age, and the cheerful, well-read Mrs Valentine. Together, they swap news, share stories, and complain about health, their bench a hub of local gossip. Life continues: Taissa spoils Vera with treats for her good grades, welcomes her home from school, listens to her tales, and beams with pride at Vera’s dedication to dance lessons. One bright afternoon, as Taissa awaits Vera’s return, she’s joined by Mr Edward, a widower from next door, who talks about the daffodils and coltsfoot carpeting the lawns like tiny suns. Spring’s beauty is in full bloom, and with Vera’s lively mischief, their days are warm and busy. Edward and Taissa begin to meet regularly—reading the papers, walking in the park, discussing recipes, and sharing snippets of their lives. Edward’s own story is bittersweet: he raised his daughter, Anne, alone after losing his wife, and despite his efforts, Anne’s grown distant, raising a son on her own in another city. Unexpectedly, Anne arrives with austere intentions: she insists her father sell his beloved flat and move in with her for “company’s sake”. Edward resists, unwilling to leave his home and his quiet, independent life. Anne, noting his friendship with Taissa, confronts Taissa with suspicion, accusing her of ulterior motives regarding Edward’s property. The harsh words sting, but Anne soon leaves in anger, severing ties with her father. Taissa, embarrassed by the scene, grows distant from Edward—until one day, he waits for her outside, dandelions in hand, apologising for his daughter’s behaviour. He gifts her a wreath of dandelions and offers a jar of his homemade dandelion jam, extolling its health benefits and inviting her to try it in a salad. Together, they share tea with dandelion jam and laughter, and in the quiet evening, stroll to the park with a fresh issue of their favourite magazine. Sitting beneath their old lime tree, their conversation flows, and all worries melt away. For Taissa and Edward, the springtime brings sweet new beginnings—and the simple joys of dandelion jam. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and supporting my stories. Wishing you happiness in life!
Dandelion Jam The snow finally melted away; this year, the frost hadnt been harshjust a gentle, snowy winter. Yet, as...