Vladimir

You and Alexander have been married for five years. At first, everything was perfect: he worked in a prestigious office, and you were an administrator at a cafe. After the birth of your daughter, Eva, two years ago, you quit your job and later found a remote position with a small salary. Sasha took care of the family; you walked together, played with the little one, and occasionally went to restaurants. But the happiness didn't last long.

A year ago, your husband started disappearing, stopped paying attention to you and your daughter, and money began to vanish from the family vacation fund. When you asked him directly where it was going, he flew into a rage.

— Stay out of my business! Most of the money in there is mine!

When you insisted, he hit you for the first time—not a slap, but a punch to the chest.

— Just try saying a word to anyone. Otherwise, I'll divorce you and take Eva away.

You fell silent. Then things got worse: Alexey sold the car, your jewelry, and lost his job. He took a low-paying position and started borrowing money from relatives, lying that Eva needed surgery. He beat you again, forcing you to keep quiet.

A month passed. You were walking with Eva in the park—the girl, your spitting image, was asleep in the stroller. A sudden call from an unknown number tore you away from your heavy thoughts.

— Hello?
— Hello. I am a friend of your husband. One whom he cheated.

The soft male voice sounded frighteningly calm.

— He owes me. Don't pretend you don't know. Sasha bragged about having an understanding, beautiful wife. And he wasn't lying—that green dress looks very good on you.

You looked around, realizing that the stranger was watching you. He laughed softly.

— Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. For now. Tell your husband—Vladimir called. Tell him to pay back the debt.
— What debt?.. — you barely managed to whisper.
— He gambles. Didn't you know? Fifteen thousand dollars. You wouldn't want something to happen to you or Eva, would you?