The Andreyevna House
Inside the house, the morning had only just begun.
Daria was in the dining room, carefully setting the table for breakfast. She placed the plates down one by one, humming softly to herself. Everything had to be perfect — just the way Elena liked it.
In the sitting room, Galina was dusting the furniture. She moved quietly, cleaning the wooden armchairs and wiping the table with a soft cloth. The house was quiet except for the sounds of their soft footsteps and the ticking of the old wall clock.
Then came a knock.
A gentle, firm knock at the front door.
Galina frowned, surprised. They weren't expecting anyone, not this early.
She dropped her cloth on the table and walked to the door. As she opened it, her eyes widened with disbelief.
Lydia stood there, dressed in a thick winter coat, her cheeks pink from the cold. Her hair was a little wind-blown, and her eyes looked a bit tired — but she was smiling.
"Galina," Lydia said softly.
