Are you aware that some girl has been coming to see you? A young one, tall?
“— What girl?” Alena stopped on the landing. “I hardly ever come to this apartment—I only drop by for the bills.”
“— Oh, but she comes regularly. With different men,” the neighbor whispered. “I thought maybe you were renting it out.”
Alena felt the ground give way beneath her. The keys were only with her and her husband. No one else. They and Zhenya had lived in another apartment, and this one—purchased before the marriage—she had kept in reserve. She paid the mortgage herself without burdening anyone.
“— How long has she been coming?” Alena tried to speak calmly.
“— At least three months. I was surprised—you seem so serious, and then…”
Alena stopped listening. Three months. For three months, someone had been using her apartment. But who? And most importantly—how?
That evening, she lingered by the entrance on purpose. And sure enough—around seven o’clock, Marianna, her husband’s younger sister, appeared. Clacking in her heels, she approached the door and pulled out a keyring.
“— Marianna!” Alena called out.
Marianna flinched and turned around.
“— Oh, hello! What are you doing here?”
“That’s my question. Where did you get the keys to my apartment?”
Marianna shrugged nonchalantly.
“— Mom gave them to me. What’s the big deal? You don’t even live here anyway.”
“What do you mean ‘Mom gave them’?” Alena felt anger boil inside her. “This is my apartment! Mine! I’m paying the mortgage for it!”
“So what?” Marianna challenged. “Now that we’re one family, everything’s shared. Besides, where else would I meet up? It’s inconvenient at Mom’s, and renting is expensive.”
“Meet up?!” Alena was momentarily lost for words. “You’re bringing men here?”
“What’s wrong with that?” Marianna replied with a sneer. “You’re not using it. You vanish off to work all day, you don’t even see daylight. At least the apartment is getting some use.”
Silently, Alena extended her hand:
“— The keys.”
“— What are you going to do about it?” Marianna snorted. “I’ll complain to Mom!”
“The keys, I said!” Alena raised her voice. “Otherwise, I’m changing the locks!”
Marianna tossed the keys aside and quickly strode away. Alena went upstairs into the apartment. An unfamiliar perfume hit her in the face. On the coffee table were glasses, in the sink—dirty dishes. On the sofa lay a women’s handbag.
Alena grabbed the phone:
“— Zhenya, come over immediately. Right now.”
“What’s happened?”
“— Come to my apartment. Quickly.”
Within half an hour, her husband arrived. Alena silently pointed at the handbag.
“A familiar item?”
“— Sister’s, I guess,” Zhenya shrugged. “What is it doing here?”
“— That’s the question! Can you explain why your sister is hanging around my apartment with men?”
“What do you mean?” Zhenya frowned.
“Literally! Your mother made a duplicate key and gave it to Marianna! And she’s turned this place into a dating venue!”
“— No way,” Zhenya shook his head in disbelief. “You’re mixing things up.”
“I just caught her by the entrance with the keys! The neighbor says she’s been coming here for three months! With different men!”
“So what?” Zhenya suddenly became angry. “The apartment is empty anyway. What’s the big deal?”
“What’s the big deal?” Alena sputtered, choking on her outrage. “This is my apartment! I’m paying for it! And your little sister has turned it into some kind of den!”
“Stop yelling,” Zhenya winced. “Nothing terrible happened. Well, she comes and comes.”
“So you knew?” Alena stared at him intently. “You knew everything?”
“No! I mean, Marianna mentioned something, but I didn’t pay much attention.”
“Perfect! Simply perfect!” Alena stormed about the apartment. “Tomorrow I’m changing the locks! And don’t you dare give any new keys to either your mother or your sister!”
“Alena, you’re exaggerating.”
“Exaggerating? If I started letting strangers into your apartment, would you also say I’m exaggerating?”
“That’s different.”
“Why different?” Alena snatched Marianna’s handbag. “We’re going to your mother’s now. Let her explain what right she had to deal with my property!”
At the in-law’s apartment, a family meeting was already in session. Maria Venediktovna sat in an armchair, lips pursed. Marianna was nonchalantly scrolling through her phone.
“What kind of hysteria are you causing my daughter?” the mother-in-law demanded sternly, looking at Alena.
“You explain to me—how can you give out keys to someone else’s apartment without asking?”
“Someone else’s?” Maria Venediktovna arched an eyebrow. “You and Zhenya—you’re husband and wife. So the property is shared.”
“No, it’s not shared!” Alena snapped. “It’s an apartment with a mortgage that I pay myself. I never asked for anyone to handle it!”
“What a materialistic attitude,” Marianna added. “In a proper family…”
“In a proper family, you don’t barge into someone else’s apartment!” Alena interrupted. “And you don’t bring men there!”
“How dare you!” Maria Venediktovna exclaimed. “My daughter is a decent girl! She’s just dating respectable men! And you, disappearing at work all day, are utterly useless! You have an apartment! So great—my daughter can entertain suitors there.”
“What does that have to do with this?” Alena turned to her husband. “Zhenya, say something!”
“What should I say?” Zhenya spread his hands. “Mom gave the keys, Marianna comes in. Nothing happened.”
“Nothing happened?” Alena couldn’t believe her ears. “So in your opinion, it’s normal for them to use my apartment?”
“They didn’t break in—they took the keys,” corrected the mother-in-law. “We’re a family. And you act like we’re strangers. It’s just an apartment! Besides, my daughter will find a wealthy husband. And you work too much.”
“Exactly!” Marianna chimed in. “You’re always keeping to yourself. You vanish at work and never speak with me.”
“Should I?” Alena began to boil. “Should I babysit you? You’re an adult—go work, rent your own place. But no—it’s easier to just sneak into someone else’s!”
“Don’t you dare speak to your sister like that!” Zhenya raised his voice.
“Sister?” Alena bitterly smirked. “The one who casually hangs around in my apartment? And you defend her?”
“Who am I supposed to defend?” Zhenya exploded. “You disappear all day, and when you come home you’re a nobody! And Marianna—she’s my sister, she needs help!”
“Help?” Alena stood up. “Fine. If I’m so bad, selfish, and materialistic, then live on your own. I’m taking back the keys and changing the locks. And you, Zhenya, decide—either it’s me or all of this.”
“Alena, why are you doing this? They’re my family.”
“And what about me?” Alena sank onto the couch wearily. “Listen, I’m not against your family. But they’ve crossed every boundary. Your mother gave out the keys to my apartment without asking. Your sister turned it into a drop-in center for dates. And you covered for all of it!”
“I didn’t cover for anything! I just didn’t make a fuss.”
“Exactly! For you it’s perfectly fine for them to manage my property! Meanwhile, I struggled for four years to scrape together the down payment for this apartment. And now I’m working like crazy to pay the mortgage.”
“I understand, but…”
“What ‘but’? What prevents your sister from going out, renting an apartment, living like normal people? No, she’s your princess! She gets everything!”
Just then, the doorbell rang. At the threshold stood the neighbor from Alena’s apartment.
“Sorry for the late visit,” the woman said, handing over an envelope. “But I must tell you something.”
Alena invited the neighbor into the kitchen.
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you for a long time,” the woman nervously fiddled with the envelope. “The thing is, it’s not just men coming to your apartment.”
“And who else?”
“Some people with bags. They bring in things, boxes. Then they take them away. I’ve seen it a few times.”
“What things?” Alena tensed.
“I’m not exactly sure. But one time a fur coat fell out of a bag. A very expensive mink one.”
Zhenya, who was listening, frowned.
“What does a coat have to do with it?”
“Here are the receipts,” the neighbor said, producing some papers from the envelope. “I found them in the entrance hall while cleaning. They mention the rental of items and jewelry.”
Alena examined the documents:
“So that’s it! Your sister isn’t just bringing men here. She’s renting expensive things to put on airs!”
“So what?” Zhenya frowned. “Just things…”
“You don’t understand! What if she damages something? Or loses it? Who will be held accountable? Me—because it was found in my apartment!”
“Come on, Marianna is careful…”
“Careful?” Alena took out her phone. “I’m going to check what’s happening in the apartment!”
There was chaos in the apartment. A luxurious evening dress lay on the bed, a mink coat on a chair. In the closet were bags from high-end stores.
“That proves it,” Alena began snapping photos of the items. “Now it’s clear why she has the apartment. She’s turned it into a fitting room!”
“So what? Marianna just wants to look good,” Zhenya tried to avoid looking at the evidence. “She’s dating.”
“At someone else’s expense! And if she can’t settle the rent? Who pays?”
“I’ll talk to her…”
“No,” Alena shook her head. “Now I’ll talk to everyone myself.”
She gathered the items and headed to her mother-in-law’s. Maria Venediktovna opened the door and froze, seeing a bundle of clothes in the hands of her daughter-in-law.
“What is this?” Maria Venediktovna frowned.
“What is it?” Alena entered the apartment. “These are the things your daughter rents and keeps in my apartment. Where’s Marianna?”
“I’m here,” Marianna emerged from her room. “Did you steal my things?”
“Yours?” Alena tossed the receipts onto the table. “These are the rental documents. Everything is registered under my address! What are you doing?”
“What’s the matter?” Marianna shrugged. “You need to impress men. You can’t go on dates in outdated clothes.”
“But why in my apartment? Why on my address?”
“Where else am I supposed to put them?” Marianna spread her arms. “I can’t haul them home, Mom would worry. And here—it’s a proper, elegant apartment, with expensive things.”
“Elegant?” Alena choked with indignation. “You rent things, and you use my address! And if you can’t pay? Who will be held accountable?”
“I pay for everything!” Marianna puffed up.
“Oh really?” Alena waved the receipts. “And what’s this? Late fees for two dresses and a handbag!”
Maria Venediktovna paled.
“Marianna, is that true?”
“So what?” Marianna snapped. “I’ll pay in a few days! Why are you all on my case?”
“On you?” Alena began to heat up. “You’re using my apartment, bringing in mysterious items, and inviting men! And I’m the one to blame?”
“Stop your hysteria!” Maria Venediktovna interjected. “Yes, perhaps we were wrong to hand over the keys without asking. But you’re to blame—always at work, neglecting your husband…”
“What does that have to do with this?” Alena turned to Zhenya. “Zhenya, say something!”
“What should I say?” Zhenya spread his hands. “Mom gave the keys, Marianna comes in. Nothing terrible happened.”
“Nothing terrible?” Alena could hardly believe her ears. “So in your view, it’s okay that they took over my apartment?”
“They didn’t take it over—they took the keys,” the mother-in-law corrected. “We’re family. And you act as if we’re strangers. It’s just an apartment! Besides, my daughter will find a rich husband. And you work so much.”
“Exactly!” Marianna added. “You always keep to yourself. You disappear at work and never talk to me.”
“Should I?” Alena began seething. “Should I babysit you? You’re an adult—go work, rent an apartment. But no—it’s easier to just sneak into someone else’s!”
“Don’t you dare speak to your sister like that!” Zhenya thundered.
“Sister?” Alena bitterly smirked. “The one who nonchalantly hangs around in my apartment? And you’re defending her?”
“Who am I supposed to defend?” Zhenya exploded. “You’re away all day and when you do come home you’re nothing! And Marianna—she’s my sister, she needs help!”
“Help?” Alena stood up. “Fine. Since I’m so selfish, materialistic, and terrible, then go live on your own. I’m taking back my keys and changing the locks. And you, Zhenya, decide—either it’s me, or all of this.”
They drove home in complete silence. Zhenya tried to speak a few times, but Alena turned away, staring out the window.
The next day, she called a locksmith and changed the locks. That evening, a difficult conversation with her husband loomed.
“Why did you do that?” Zhenya paced nervously. “Now Mom and Marianna are upset.”
“They’re upset?” Alena laughed bitterly. “Maybe I should apologize for having the nerve to get angry?”
“But nothing terrible happened!”
“Nothing terrible?” Alena tried to speak calmly. “And what if I handed the keys to my friends without asking?”
“That’s different.”
“Why is that different? Explain it to me.”
“Because Marianna is my sister!” Zhenya exploded. “She needs a place to meet men! Not at home, not with Mom!”
“Then she should rent an apartment.”
“She doesn’t have money.”
“Because she doesn’t work!” Alena raised her voice. “At twenty-five, she’s mooching off Mom and chasing after a rich husband! Am I supposed to let her use my apartment for dates?”
“You always bring up money!” Zhenya sank into an armchair. “Yes, Marianna isn’t as proper as you. She doesn’t work from dawn till dusk. And now?”
“That I work so hard to pay for the apartment. And your little sister decided she could use it for free!”
Just then, the doorbell rang. At the threshold stood the neighbor from Alena’s apartment.
“Sorry for the late visit,” the neighbor said, handing over an envelope. “But I have something to tell you.”
Alena invited the neighbor into the kitchen.
“I’ve been meaning to speak with you,” the woman said nervously, fiddling with the envelope. “The thing is, it’s not only men who come to your apartment.”
“And who else?”
“Some people with bags. They bring in items, boxes. Then they take them away. I’ve seen it several times.”
“What kind of items?” Alena tensed.
“I’m not exactly sure. But once, a fur coat fell out of a bag. A very expensive mink one.”
Zhenya, listening to the conversation, frowned.
“What does a fur coat have to do with it?”
“Here are the receipts,” the neighbor said, producing some papers. “I found them in the entrance hall while cleaning. They mention the rental of items and jewelry.”
Alena examined the papers:
“So that’s it! Your sister isn’t just bringing in men. She’s renting expensive items to show off!”
“What difference does it make?” Zhenya frowned. “Just things…”
“You don’t understand! What if she damages something? Or loses it? Who will be held accountable? Me—since it was found in my apartment!”
“Come on, Marianna is careful…”
“Careful?” Alena took out her phone. “I’m going to check what’s really happening in there!”
Inside, the apartment was in disarray. A luxurious evening dress lay on the bed, a mink coat on a chair, and in the wardrobe were bags bearing expensive store logos.
“That proves it,” Alena began photographing the items. “Now it’s clear why she has the apartment. She’s turned it into a fitting room!”
“So what?” Zhenya tried not to look at the evidence. “Marianna just wants to look good.”
“At someone else’s expense! And if she can’t pay the rent? Who’s going to cover it?”
“I’ll talk to her…”
“No,” Alena shook her head. “Now I’ll handle it all myself.”
She gathered the items and went to her mother-in-law’s. Maria Venediktovna opened the door and froze upon seeing the bundle of clothing in her daughter-in-law’s hands.
“What is this?” Maria Venediktovna frowned.
“What is it?” Alena entered. “These are the things your daughter rents and stores in my apartment. Where is Marianna?”
“I’m here,” Marianna stepped out from her room. “Did you steal my things?”
“Your things?” Alena slammed the receipts onto the table. “These are the rental documents. Everything is registered under my address! What are you doing?”
“What’s the matter?” Marianna shrugged. “You need to impress men. You can’t go on dates at Mom’s.”
“But why in my apartment? Why on my address?”
“Where else am I supposed to put them?” Marianna spread her arms. “I can’t haul them home, Mom would worry. And here—it’s a proper, elegant apartment with expensive items.”
“Elegant?” Alena nearly exploded. “You rent items and use my address! And if you can’t pay? Who will be held accountable?”
“I pay for everything!” Marianna puffed up.
“Oh really?” Alena waved the receipts. “And what’s this? Overdue fees for two dresses and a handbag!”
Maria Venediktovna paled.
“Marianna, is this true?”
“So what?” Marianna snapped. “I’ll pay in a few days! Why are you all ganging up on me?”
“On you?” Alena began heating up. “You sneak into someone else’s apartment, bring in questionable items, and invite men! And then you blame me?”
“Stop your hysteria!” Maria Venediktovna interjected. “Yes, perhaps we were wrong to hand over the keys without asking. But you’re at fault—always at work, neglecting your husband…”
“What does that have to do with this?” Alena turned to Zhenya. “Zhenya, say something!”
“What can I say?” Zhenya spread his hands. “Mom gave the keys, Marianna comes in. Nothing terrible happened.”
“Nothing terrible?” Alena could hardly believe her ears. “So according to you, it’s normal that they’ve taken over my apartment?”
“They didn’t take it over—they took the keys,” the mother-in-law corrected. “We’re family. And you act as if we’re strangers. It’s just an apartment! Besides, my daughter will find a rich husband. And you work so hard.”
“Exactly!” Marianna added. “You always keep to yourself. You vanish at work and never talk to me.”
“Should I?” Alena began boiling over. “Should I babysit you? You’re an adult—go work, rent your own place. But no—it’s easier to just sneak into someone else’s!”
“Don’t you dare speak to your sister like that!” Zhenya thundered.
“Sister?” Alena bitterly smirked. “The one who nonchalantly hangs around in my apartment? And you’re defending her?”
“Who am I supposed to defend?” Zhenya exploded. “You’re away all day, and when you come home you’re nothing! And Marianna—she’s my sister, she needs help!”
“Help?” Alena stood up. “Fine. Since I’m so selfish, materialistic, and terrible, then live your own life. I’m taking back my keys and changing the locks. And you, Zhenya, decide—either it’s me or all of this.”
They returned home in complete silence. Zhenya tried several times to speak, but Alena turned her face to the window.
At home, Alena initiated the conversation:
“Listen. Choose—either we start living as our own family, without interference from your mother and sister, or we separate.”
“Alena, why are you doing this? They’re my family.”
“And what about me?” Alena sank onto the sofa wearily. “Listen, I’m not against your family. But they’ve crossed every line. Your mother gave out the keys to my apartment without asking. Your sister turned it into a waiting room and a scam for renting items. And you covered it up!”
“I didn’t cover for anything! I just didn’t think it was a big deal.”
“Exactly! For you it’s fine that they manage my property! Meanwhile, I struggled for four years to gather the down payment for this apartment. And now I work like hell to pay the mortgage.”
“I understand, but…”
“What ‘but’? What prevents your sister from working? Renting an apartment? Living like normal people? No, she’s your princess! She gets everything!”
The door rang. At the threshold stood a tearful Marianna.
“Alena, I’m sorry! I understand everything now! I’ll get a job, and I’ll pay the overdue rent!”
“Why the sudden change?” Alena asked, looking skeptical.
“Mom… She was very upset. She said I’ve shamed her. That I wasn’t raised properly.”
“Really?” Alena scoffed. “And what happened to your pride? Where is your ‘I did nothing wrong’?”
“I was wrong,” Marianna lowered her head. “Mom explained that I behaved disgracefully. That you shouldn’t barge into someone else’s apartment or rent things on credit…”
“And you suddenly realized that?”
“Mom said—either I get my act together, or she’ll kick me out. She said I was shaming the family.”
Zhenya whistled in astonishment:
“Unbelievable! I’ve never heard Mom talk to you like that.”
“Exactly!” Marianna sobbed. “Then, Alena, I really understand! I’ll start looking for a job tomorrow!”
“And what are you good at?” Alena asked skeptically.
“Well… I know a lot about fashion, about style… Maybe I could work as a saleswoman in a store?”
“That sounds like a start,” Alena nodded. “But mark my words—no more of this rental scam business. Otherwise, the conversation will be very different.”
“I understand! Honestly!” Marianna wiped her tears. “May I call you when I get a job? I’ll tell you how it goes.”
“Call me,” Alena shrugged. “We’ll see what comes of it.”
After Marianna left, Zhenya embraced his wife:
“Thank you for not going to the police.”
“I wasn’t planning to,” Alena smiled sadly. “I just wanted to scare them. But mark my words—this is the last time I’ll make any concessions. No more keys, no more favors.”
“Promise,” Zhenya kissed her head. “And forgive me for not stopping it sooner. I was just used to coddling my sister.”
“Exactly. You all spoiled her. And in the end—we nearly ended up with a police report.”
The door rang again. At the threshold stood Maria Venediktovna with a cake.
“May I come in?”
Alena stepped aside silently, letting the mother-in-law in. Maria Venediktovna went to the kitchen, placing the cake on the table.
“I came to apologize. You were right, and I was wrong.”
“Well, that’s news,” Alena leaned against the doorframe. “What brought this on?”
“When you left, I re-read the receipts. I looked at the amounts. And I realized I’d raised a freeloader. Marianna has completely gotten out of hand—renting things, not paying, using someone else’s apartment.”
“And now?”
“I was wrong to encourage her behavior. I shouldn’t have given out the keys without asking. You work so hard and pay for your apartment yourself. And we, with Marianna…” Maria Venediktovna faltered. “We behaved shamefully.”
“Mom, did you bring cake?” Zhenya peeked into the kitchen.
“I did. Remember, Alena, you said you love honey cake? I ordered it specially from the bakery.”
“Thank you,” Alena said as she retrieved some cups. “Please, sit down.”
Over tea, Maria Venediktovna continued:
“I keep asking myself—where did I go wrong with Marianna? Why did she grow up so… irresponsible? Zhenya works, you work, and she only dreams of a rich husband.”
“Because you spoiled her too much,” Alena said as she poured tea. “You always let everything slide, always forgave her.”
“Yes, you’re right. But today I set a condition—either she starts working or she moves out. I won’t indulge her whims any longer.”
“And how did she react?”
“She cried, of course. Then she gathered herself and came to apologize to you. She said she’d start looking for a job.”
“We’ll see,” Alena sipped her tea. “Pretty words mean nothing; actions speak louder.”
“I will make sure of it,” the mother-in-law said firmly. “There will be no more foolishness. And please forgive me—I truly meant well.”
“Meant well for whom?” Alena set down her cup. “For Marianna? Who’s used to having everything? Or for yourself—so that your daughter can get married quickly?”
“You’re right—I did everything wrong,” Maria Venediktovna lowered her eyes. “But I want to fix it. Give me a chance.”
“Alright,” Alena sighed. “But understand—no more keys, no more favors. Live your own life, and I’ll live mine.”
“Agreed,” the mother-in-law extended her hand. “Shall we start over?”
A month later, Marianna got a job as a saleswoman in a clothing store. Another month later, she paid off the overdue rent. And by autumn, she had met a young man—not an oligarch, but an ordinary manager. She started dating him at cafes rather than in someone else’s apartment.
Alena sold the apartment and bought a new one in another neighborhood. She no longer gave out keys. And with her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, she kept in occasional contact—polite, but distant.
