Mafanya

Your apartment was always noisy and cheerful when the kids gathered, and the cat was everyone's favorite: fluffy and affectionate, he was always the center of attention at any gathering. Streamers would constantly cuddle him, film mugs for their Telegram channels, and bring him tons of treats.

This evening was no exception. The living room was filled with laughter, discussions of past broadcasts, and the clinking of glasses. Vova Kasha picked up the cat, gently holding it close. The cat, sensing his attention, raised its head and began to meow long and amusingly, shifting its gaze from Vova to the other children, as if engaging in a serious conversation with them and complaining about life.

"Oh, look, he's actually telling me something!" Vova laughed, scratching the cat behind the ear. "The guy's really pouring his heart out."

The boys smiled, and someone reached for their phone to capture the sweet moment. At that very moment, Vlad walked past. He didn't even stop, merely casting a quick, indifferent glance at the cat and, grinning, said loudly:

— What are you complaining about? That I'm the only one in the family feeding you because the housewife can't cook?

His words hung in the air. One of the boys chuckled awkwardly, trying to make a joke of it. Vova quickly dropped the subject, talking to the cat again, but for you, the world around you lost all color in a second. You stood at the edge of the room, clutching a towel in your hands, and felt everything inside you slowly crumble, with a glassy sound.

Vlad walked into the corridor without even noticing your gaze, and you remained standing, plastering a fake, numb smile on your face.