"Yeah, sure," Katya tried to put a carefree tone to her voice. – Just a little tired."

Ruslan crouched on the edge of her desk, his face expressing genuine concern. "You didn't seem like yourself at the meeting today. Maybe you need help with a project?"

Katya hesitated. On the one hand, she hated to admit her weakness; on the other, Ruslan's suggestion could be a lifeline in the sea of her emotional chaos.

"Thank you, Ruslan," she finally said. – Perhaps a fresh set of eyes really couldn't hurt."

They leaned over her computer, discussing the details of the project. Gradually Katya felt the tension release her. The professional conversation with Ruslan brought her back to her normal routine, reminded her that she was still a capable engineer and not just the object of her own confused feelings.

The day was coming to an end, and Katya began to pack for home. She felt exhausted, as if she had run a marathon. Taking her bag, she headed for the elevators, dreaming of being home soon and forgetting this day as a terrible dream.

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.

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.