– Dad, will you see how I learned to read? – timidly asked Masha.

– Not now, – Sasha threw over his shoulder, closing the office door behind him.

Katya caught herself clenching her fists. A memory flashed before her eyes: Sasha, laughing and tossing little Masha in the air. Where had that time gone? When their home was filled with laughter and warmth?

– Mom, why is Dad so sad? – quietly asked the youngest, Misha.

Katya stroked her son's head, trying to find words. "Daddy is very tired at work, sunshine. Let's not bother him, okay?"

The children fell silent, as if sensing the tension in the air. Katya tried to concentrate on their homework, but her thoughts kept returning to Sasha's cold stare.

After dinner, when the children had already gone to bed, Katya started cleaning the kitchen. The monotonous action was soothing, allowing her to forget her anxious thoughts for a while. But then her ears caught Sasha's muffled voice from the study.

– Yes, I understand… No, you'll need to apply for a visa in advance… Israel? Yes, that's a possible option…

Katya froze, listening to the fragments of phrases. Her heart beat faster. What was he talking about? Why would he need a visa to Israel? He had never traveled on business trips. Besides, what could a doctor do in Israel? She tiptoed toward the office door, trying to catch more information.

– No, she doesn't know yet… Yes, I understand the risks…

Goosebumps ran through Katya's body. She instinctively realized that the "she" Sasha had dropped was referring to her. Katya felt a lump come to her throat. What was Sasha hiding from her? She couldn't stand the suspense any longer. When Sasha's voice faded, she opened the door with determination.

– Yes?" her husband's voice sounded irritated.

Katya entered the office. Sasha was sitting at his computer, clearly unhappy about the intrusion.

– We need to talk," Katya said firmly.

– About what? – Sasha didn't even turn to her.

– About what's going on. About your secret conversations. About visas to Israel.

Sasha turned around sharply, a flash of surprise in his eyes that quickly changed to anger.

– You were eavesdropping?

– I overheard. But that's not the point. What are you hiding from me?

Sasha stood up, his face contorted with anger. "You're being paranoid, Katya. I was just discussing work matters."

– Work issues include getting visas to Israel? – Katya felt anger boiling up inside.

– Don't be ridiculous. You don't know what you want. One minute you're bored here, the next you're clinging to this life.

– Me? Clinging? – Katya's voice shook with indignation. – You're the one who's always complaining about life in Russia, about the lack of prospects for development, the lack of science. And now you're plotting something behind my back!

Their voices grew louder and louder, and suddenly the office door opened. Misha's small head slipped through the gap.

– Mommy, can I have some water?

Katya and Sasha were instantly silent, exchanging glances. Katya was the first to pull herself together.

– Let's go to the kitchen, she said with a degree of annoyance at the interrupted conversation.

When she returned to the study, Sasha was hurriedly shoving some papers into his briefcase.

– What is it? – Katya asked, feeling everything inside her clench.

– Nothing. Work documents. I have to leave, – Sasha zipped up the briefcase and headed for the exit.

In a fit of desperation, Katya grabbed the briefcase. "Tell me, where are you going? No, you're not going anywhere until we talk!"

Sasha yanked the briefcase toward him; Katya wouldn't let go. At some point the clasp failed, and the contents of the briefcase scattered on the floor. Among the scattered papers Katya saw a glossy booklet with a Hebrew inscription and a picture of Tel Aviv.

There was a heavy silence. Katya stared at the booklet, unable to believe her eyes. Sasha, quickly coming to his senses, began to pick up the scattered papers.

– It's not what you think," he muttered, avoiding Katya's gaze.

– What should I think? – she asked quietly, feeling tears coming to her throat, that you don't think you should inform me about the impending move?

Sasha silently gathered his things, including the unfortunate booklet, and quickly left the apartment, leaving Katya alone among the scattered papers and shattered illusions.