It was a cold winter day. On the sidewalk, not far from the residential entrances, stood an old grandmother begging. She looked very exhausted and her face was completely covered with wrinkles.
She stood emotionless, there was no sadness or despair in her eyes, but only indifference or even doom. She was dressed in an old worn jacket, from under which a light robe was visible, which could not warm her. She had worn shoes on her feet and a scarf on her head.
Two teenagers, about sixteen years old, appeared in the yard. They talked very loudly and used profanity. When they passed by the beggar, one of them put a cigarette butt in her hand and laughing began to run away, and his friend hurried after him.
The old woman was frightened and just sank down. She did not shout anything after them, did not call the boys names, only a burning resentment remained in her heart, and tears flowed down her cheeks.
All this was noticed by a third-grader who was returning from school. He immediately ran up to the old woman and helped her:
– Grandma, let me help you, you can not lie on the snow, you will catch a cold.
The grandmother was surprised and asked:
– Who are you, boy?
– I live in the next house. You’d better tell me, are you in pain? Do not cry, please, – the boy asked. He gently took out a handkerchief and began to wipe the woman’s face.
Then the boy thought about it and said:
– “Don’t go anywhere, I’m leaving you my backpack. You will not have time to blink your eyes as I will be back. In the meantime, take these pies, my grandmother bakes them.
The old woman took the bag with trembling hands, wanted to thank, but the boy was already gone.
– Good child, – the grandmother said to herself, and her face brightened.
– I’m here! – the little boy said loudly. – Now let’s examine your hand.
He smeared the place where the cigarette butt was put with iodine and wrapped it with a bandage.
– It’s done! – I also brought you my piggy bank. Take it and do not worry, my parents will not scold me!
The old woman did not want to take it, but the boy’s eyes looked at her so sincerely and unselfishly that she could not refuse:
– Thank you. Your parents raised a worthy person!
The grandmother’s voice was trembling. To calm her down, the boy hugged her tightly.
– I have not felt so happy for a long time, – she said quietly and kissed the boy’s cheek.
