A rather strange little story, I’m not really sure I got the point of it.
Two older men are sitting and talking and we see some strange men and some women who have married them–mostly unwillingly–or we see women who have married the wrong men and loved another.
“When Sophia was almost asleep Varvara pressed against her and whispered in her ear–
“Let us murder Diudya and Aliosha!”
Sophia shuddered and said nothing at first. After a moment she opened her eyes and looked steadfastly at the sky. (p. 104)
They each consider this horrific deed for a while, then decide that they cannot follow through. Worse, they make excuses to each other for even thinking the thought. And life goes on.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology