Malinka's Winter Dream

Everyone knows how, under the New Year, real miracles happen. And it seems that luck smiled on Masha Malinkina: she found a job of her dream. But the boss she got was her former classmate—Dimka Gordeev, a boring, snobbish guy. And even though he managed to “forget” her, sticks in the wheels, and shamelessly exploits her, she will never quit! It’s all the same to Masha what this proud guy thinks… But why does he remind her so strangely of a man from winter dreams?

“He was coming toward me—a man of my dreams—emerging from a golden mist: strong and handsome, like God! Drops of moisture sparkled on his chest; wavy strands of hair touched his broad shoulders, and from his tanned hips a snowy-white towel was about to slip off.

I was swooning at such beauty and couldn’t take a step toward him. Dark eyes looked straight into my soul.

— Masha…

My God, my dear, what a voice! Deep, sensual, with velvet notes. The crowd of admirers gasped in delight and a single throng swept over my skin.

— Finally, you’re mine!

— Yes!

We reached out our hands to each other, the golden mist parted, and I held my breath. Right now, just now I’ll see his face and—maybe I’ll give something up…

Smack! A pillow flew into my own face, and the spell immediately broke.

— A-a! Maruska! All hands on deck! Whistle everyone up! Get up, sleepyhead—we overslept!

— Huh? What? Where?!”