"Mom! We're going to be late!"

The voices sounded distant, unreal. How could she be late for anything when she was swimming around a deserted island underwater, while her two sons played in the white sand with the gold they found on the abandoned pirate ship?

Ludmilla loved orange lipstick. She used to think it was ugly and old-ladyish. But ever since she turned sixty, it was the one she always reached for when she wanted to feel beautiful.

It was as if an ice pick had been driven into his skull when Emily laughed. Ted couldn’t stand her voice—that thin, squeaky sound. It drove him crazy.

Fernanda was overwhelmed with icy fear. Her throat tightened, and she found it difficult to breathe. She looked at her watch. Her son’s plane was already far away. It would be hours before she could call him and tell him they had made a mistake.

Lívia watched the man holding his breath as he checked the documents. The clerk wiped the sweat from his forehead with his stubby hand. He looked irritated. Lívia prepared herself for the worst—or so she thought.

Simone listened indifferently to her guest chattering in the living room. The mother of her daughter's classmate was clearly overjoyed that Simone, the wife of a successful businessman, had invited her over for coffee. The guest had evidently put a lot of effort into preparing for this significant occasion.

David was surprised by the music choice, but he let the rhythm take over. Nadia closed her eyes and melted into him as if they were one. Thanks to the emotionally charged song and David’s strong arms, the nurse completely let go.

From the very first moment of Amy's life, lying had been ever-present. Her mother was a pro at bending the truth without blinking an eye or inventing stories. Amy never understood why it was necessary, but she got used to its presence, and it became part of everyday life.

She didn’t dare turn to the side. For a while, she listened to the man’s breathing and then got out of bed without looking at him. She had no idea what his name was, nor could she remember his face.

Kata realized how much simpler it was to have a lover than to be in a relationship, with all its complications. The rules were entirely different with a casual partner—clearer, more understandable.