Growth point
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But fate had it differently. When the elevator doors opened, Katya saw Igor in it. For a moment she froze, not knowing whether to go inside or wait for the next elevator. But Igor held the door open and said with a slight smile:
"Come in, Ekaterina Andreyevna. We seem to be on our way."
Katya stepped into the elevator, feeling her heart ready to jump out of her chest. In the cramped space of the cabin, Igor's scent enveloped her and she could barely breathe.
"How's your project going?" – Igor asked, breaking the awkward silence.
"Fine," Katya squeezed out, trying to keep her voice steady. – Ruslan and I discussed some details today."
"Ruslan is a good specialist," Igor nodded. – I'm sure together you'll be able to handle any difficulties."
In his voice, Katya heard a faint note of… jealousy? Or did she just want to think that? She risked raising her eyes and met Igor's gaze. For a moment it seemed to her that the whole world had disappeared, just the two of them in that small cabin, floating through space and time.
The elevator bell shattered the moment. The doors opened, letting them out into the cool evening air. Katya inhaled deeply, trying to come to her senses.
"Goodbye, Ekaterina Andreyevna," Igor said. – Have a good evening."
"Goodbye, Igor Nikolayevich," Katya replied, watching him walk away toward the parking lot.
She stood for a few minutes, letting the cool breeze cool her burning cheeks. Suddenly, her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. A message from Sasha:
"We need to have a serious talk tonight."
Katya felt everything inside her clench. What could have happened? Did Sasha really suspect something? Or did it have something to do with his constant talk of moving?
With a heavy heart, she headed for the bus stop. The day that had begun with an emotional assault at work seemed to be preparing her for an equally tumultuous evening at home. Katya didn't know if she had the strength to cope with it all, but there was no choice. There was no choice but to go forward, toward the unknown that awaited her behind the doors of her home.
Chapter 2: Shadows of Doubt
Katya stepped over the threshold of the apartment, and the familiar smell of home enveloped her. It had once made her feel safe and happy, but now it seemed suffocating. She looked around the living room, where old Soviet furniture was juxtaposed with modern appliances – a visual embodiment of their family life, stuck between the past and the future.
With mechanical movements, Katya began to prepare dinner. The sounds in the kitchen merged into a monotonous rhythm: the clatter of the knife against the cutting board, the sizzle of oil in the pan, the hum of the refrigerator. From the nursery came the muffled laughter of the children, and the old clock on the wall counted down the minutes with inexorable precision. All these sounds, so familiar and once so cozy, now only emphasized the tension that hung in the air.
– Mom, can you help us with our homework? – Masha, the eldest daughter, looked into the kitchen.
Katya sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. "Of course, sweetie. I'll be right there."
She settled with the children at the dining room table, sorting out math problems and helping with reading. Suddenly the front door lock clicked. Katya flinched, feeling her shoulders tense.
Sasha entered the apartment without raising his eyes. He threw a short "Hello" and went straight to his office without even looking at the children.
– Dad, will you see how I learned to read? – timidly asked Masha.
– Not now, – Sasha threw over his shoulder, closing the office door behind him.
Katya caught herself clenching her fists. A memory flashed before her eyes: Sasha, laughing and tossing little Masha in the air. Where had that time gone? When their home was filled with laughter and warmth?
– Mom, why is Dad so sad? – quietly asked the youngest, Misha.
Katya stroked her son's head, trying to find words. "Daddy is very tired at work, sunshine. Let's not bother him, okay?"
The children fell silent, as if sensing the tension in the air. Katya tried to concentrate on their homework, but her thoughts kept returning to Sasha's cold stare.
After dinner, when the children had already gone to bed, Katya started cleaning the kitchen. The monotonous action was soothing, allowing her to forget her anxious thoughts for a while. But then her ears caught Sasha's muffled voice from the study.
– Yes, I understand… No, you'll need to apply for a visa in advance… Israel? Yes, that's a possible option…
Katya froze, listening to the fragments of phrases. Her heart beat faster. What was he talking about? Why would he need a visa to Israel? He had never traveled on business trips. Besides, what could a doctor do in Israel? She tiptoed toward the office door, trying to catch more information.
– No, she doesn't know yet… Yes, I understand the risks…
Goosebumps ran through Katya's body. She instinctively realized that the "she" Sasha had dropped was referring to her. Katya felt a lump come to her throat. What was Sasha hiding from her? She couldn't stand the suspense any longer. When Sasha's voice faded, she opened the door with determination.
– Yes?" her husband's voice sounded irritated.
Katya entered the office. Sasha was sitting at his computer, clearly unhappy about the intrusion.
– We need to talk," Katya said firmly.
– About what? – Sasha didn't even turn to her.
– About what's going on. About your secret conversations. About visas to Israel.
Sasha turned around sharply, a flash of surprise in his eyes that quickly changed to anger.
– You were eavesdropping?
– I overheard. But that's not the point. What are you hiding from me?