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.