Aim. The aim of the article was to introduce the character of a grandmother, as sketched by Pavel Sanayev in his short story. Somewhat against the ubiquitous stereotype of a warm, loving figure, who is associated with knitted socks and the smell of baking cake, the authors show that there can also be a grandmother who is cruel, bitter, violent, and who creates a toxic relationship. A grandmother can sometimes be a negative character, although this can be difficult to accept. Materials and methods. The material for the study was Pavel Sanaev’s short story Bury me under the floor. The authors analyze and interpret the text. The analysis of the work was carried out from a hermeneutic perspective, which makes it possible to discover the deeper layers of the work and the unspoken meanings contained in it. It takes into account the viewpoint and value system of the viewer-interpreter himself. When discussing Sanaev’s work, the close reading method was also important, promoting analytical reading, focused on the text and its meanings. Results. The article outlines a picture of a grandmother who was bitter, violent, used passive aggression, used crude words, and formed toxic relationships. A grandmother who made it the mission of her life to take care of her sickly grandson, and who most likely suffered from Münchausen syndrome by proxy. Analysis and interpretation of Pavel Sanaev’s piece Bury me under the floor leads to some important conclusions about family dynamics, the impact of toxic relationships on a child’s psyche, and the broader social and psychological implications of such experiences. Conclusion. Man’s existence as a social being and part of the family system is closely linked to his biological, emotional, and cultural needs. And while he cannot function in isolation from other people, staying in toxic conditions – as in the case of Sasha, the main character in Sanaev’s story, who experienced separation anxiety, passive aggression, and psychosomatic diseases – makes life a string of torment and anguish.