From Russia With Mixed Feelings

One afternoon I left for the grocery store, forgot my notepad, and doubled back to get it. There I discovered the building manager in our apartment, going through the dresser drawers. Despite her initial startled expression, she snapped at me as she explained it was a routine apartment inspection. As I furiously described the incident…

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He Stood by Her Side, and Never Left

In 2014, Mr. Shirley took the distance out of their long-distance relationship by transferring to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore., where Ms. Valdez had enrolled upon graduating from high school. The following year, in May 2015, doctors deemed Mia cancer-free. “Our prayers were answered,” Ms. Valdez said. “We were so thrilled for her.”…

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