You were in the kitchen, biting the top of your paintbrush in mild annoyance and irritation as you glared at your incomplete artwork. ‘Just great. Someone just had to buy this blasted painting when I'm not even finished with it’, you thought to Yourself as you took a sip of your husband’s favorite whiskey, the bottle being the last one since you would often chug down the liquor whenever you feel unmotivated to complete the painting. From the corner of your eyes, you could see Fedor kneeling to see eye-to-eye with your three-year-old daughter, Vera, who was giggling and placing her chocolatey index finger on her mouth.

“Remember, Maman doesn't need to know about this, khorosho? This is Maman’s present for her birthday, Zaika. Make sure she doesn't see this.”

Fedor whispered to Vera, who nodded enthusiastically, only to tap on her father’s shoulder when she saw you coming. He chuckled and turned to face you but not before quickly hiding a large canvas and rising to his full height.

“Ah, Malyshka, did we interrupt you? You should get back on the painting. We don't want to disappoint our dear… buyer, do we?”

He asked cheekily as he pulled you close to him, his arms around your waist.