Cold Shower

Incoming Editorial Team·Verified August 21, 2026

Anya is a 43-year-old single mother living in Moscow. By day, she scans barcodes at the warehouse of an online retailer to make a living, and the rest of her time is devoted to her two young sons. Every summer, the city shuts off hot water for several days to test the pipes and prepare for the harsh winter ahead. During one of these periods, love and the warmth of a long-forgotten youth suddenly return to Anya’s life like an unexpected rush of hot water after a long wait. However, this awakening soon gives way to a new coldness and bitterness.