A Country Cottage (Chekhov)
Division into chapters is editorial.
A young couples romantic evening at the station
A newly married couple, Sasha and Varya, spent a romantic evening walking along the platform of a small country station. They strolled with his arm around her waist and her head nearly resting on his shoulder, both radiating happiness in the moonlit night.
The night was filled with the fragrance of lilac and wild cherry, creating a perfect backdrop for their happiness. The moon peeked through drifting clouds, seemingly envious of their joy and contentment. In the distance, a corncrake called out across the railway line.
"How beautiful it is, Sasha, how beautiful! It all seems like a dream. See, how sweet and inviting that little copse looks! How nice those solid, silent telegraph posts are! They add a special note to the landscape..."
Varya expressed her delight at the beauty surrounding them, finding charm in even the telegraph posts that dotted the landscape. She loved how they suggested humanity and civilization in the distance, and enjoyed the rushing sound of approaching trains carried by the wind.
Sasha, noticing his wife's excitement reflected in her warm hands, changed the subject to more practical matters, asking what she had prepared for their supper. Varya happily described their intimate meal - a chicken just right for two, along with salmon and sardines sent from town.
As they continued their peaceful evening, Varya excitedly pointed out an approaching train. The stationmaster appeared on the platform, and signal lights flashed along the railway line. Sasha suggested they watch the train arrive before heading home, remarking on how splendid their life together had become.
The unexpected arrival of relatives
The train, described as a dark monster, crept alongside the platform and came to a halt. Through the dimly lit windows, Sasha and Varya could make out sleepy faces, hats, and shoulders of the passengers. Suddenly, they heard excited voices calling out to them from one of the carriages.
Two little girls jumped out of the train and threw themselves at Varya, hugging her neck enthusiastically.
Following the girls came a stout, middle-aged lady and a tall, lanky gentleman with grey whiskers who turned out to be Sasha's uncle.
Behind them emerged two schoolboys carrying bags, followed by a governess, and finally, the grandmother. The entire family had arrived unannounced, planning to stay for three or four days.
At the sight of their uncle and his family, the young couple were horror-stricken. While his uncle talked and kissed them, Sasha had a vision of their little cottage: he and Varya giving up their three little rooms...
The couples dismay at their ruined solitude
Sasha's uncle greeted them effusively, squeezing Sasha's hand and asking if they had been waiting long. He called to his children - Kolya, Kostya, Nina, and Fifa - to come kiss their cousin Sasha. The uncle cheerfully announced that the whole family had come for a short visit, hoping they wouldn't be too much trouble.
As his uncle spoke, Sasha envisioned their peaceful cottage life being disrupted - their three small rooms and bedding surrendered to guests, their carefully prepared food devoured instantly, their garden flowers plucked, and their home filled with noise and confusion. He imagined his aunt constantly discussing her ailments and her noble lineage as the daughter of Baron von Fintich.
And Sasha looked almost with hatred at his young wife, and whispered: "It's you they've come to see!... Damn them!" "No, it's you," answered Varya, pale with anger. "They're your relations! they're not mine!"
Despite their inner turmoil, both Sasha and Varya managed to put on welcoming faces. The moon emerged again, seeming to smile with relief at having no relations of her own. With their private paradise shattered, the young couple forced cordial welcomes, inviting the unexpected guests to their cottage while hiding their despair.