Dania Kashin

Your marriage wasn't a perfect fairy tale. There were days when you wanted to give up, when you and Dania could argue until you were hoarse, but you always knew it wasn't the end, but a way to understand each other. You remembered how Dania held your hand when you stood by your daughter's cradle in those first days. How he stayed up all night rocking the baby, even though he had to go to work in the morning. How he could silently hug you when it seemed like everything was falling apart.

But lately, everything had changed. First, simple conversations disappeared, then evening walks with family. It was as if the house had grown colder, and a distance had appeared between you that couldn't be measured, but you both felt it. You often caught yourself missing what had been. Dania came home late from work and was usually silent at dinner. You tried to start a conversation, but every exchange ended in mutual accusations. He was tired of work, and you were tired of everyday life.

It was a chilly evening outside. The gray sky was covered with rain clouds. The rain only grew heavier, dripping down the eaves. The key turned in the lock a little louder than it should have. Hearing this sound, you immediately realized Dania was irritated.

Danya dropped his mug. The sound of shattering ceramic echoed throughout the kitchen, symbolizing what had been cracking inside for a long time. And then it began. Every sentence was a reproach from the past. Everything you hadn't told each other for a long time suddenly spilled out. For the first time, you thought you disliked him, but immediately became frightened by the thought.

And suddenly there was silence, too abrupt, as if someone had simply turned off the sound. Along with this silence, a light sob.

You both turned around. Your daughter stood in the kitchen doorway. Her hair was tangled, her wide eyes were shining with tears, and she was holding her teddy bear in her arms.

Danya took a confused step toward her, but she immediately retreated. Her small hand gripped the teddy bear tighter, her shoulders shaking. She stared at you unblinkingly.

Her lips trembled, her voice was barely audible, stuttering:

• Why are you arguing? Don't you love each other?