I was just dusting the shelf in the living room when a loud knock suddenly came at the door—so abrupt that the vase on the windowsill trembled and nearly fell off. I sighed, knowing that this sound did not bode well. Volodya peeked out from the kitchen, where he was washing a cup after breakfast, and shrugged wearily.
“— It’s them again, right?” he mumbled, though it was already clear.
Before I could even reach the door, it was flung wide open, and Valya burst into the hallway, shoving aside shoes. A satisfied smile shone on her face, as if she had just returned from a victorious parade. Following her, her husband Fyodor squeezed in with a backpack slung over his shoulder and a tired look. Lastly, Dimka flew in like a whirlwind—his jacket was already lying on the floor, and his shoes were scattered in all directions.
“— Oh, Volodya! Hello, dear!” Valya shrieked, rushing towards her brother and embracing him like a bear. “— We’re only here for an hour; we were just in the neighborhood.”
I raised my eyebrow skeptically. An hour? That’s what she says every time.
I hadn’t even managed to say a word when Valya already headed into the kitchen, tossing over her shoulder:
“— Do you have anything to snack on? We got hungry on the road!”
I pursed my lips and cast an anxious glance at Volodya. He just spread his arms, as if to say that arguing was futile.
The refrigerator door in the kitchen banged shut, and I hurried there, but it was already too late. Valya, pulling out a plate of pies that I had specially baked for Sunday dinner, immediately grabbed three and shouted at Fyodor:
“— Hey, come here! They have treats here!”
I froze in the doorway, watching as Valya methodically laid out our delicacies on the table—sliced sausages, cheese, salads. Everything I had lovingly prepared for the celebration instantly disappeared onto the plates.
Meanwhile, Dimka was running around the rooms, stomping loudly, and finally reached the toy box that Volodya had long ago placed on the mezzanine—he thought it had been put away. One by one, toy cars flew onto the floor, and the clamor and laughter spread throughout the corridor.
“— Lena, is your tea not brewed?” Valya exclaimed indignantly, already slicing the cake. “— Oh, come on, you really don’t expect any guests at all!”