A couple of days ago, after work, I ran into the supermarket. I see a mother and a son of six years old. As they say, poor, but clean. Nice boy. He seemed to want something, but he didn’t ask.
While my mother was digging into the discounted trifle basket, he carefully took a box of markers, stroked, smelled and put it back in place. Then I touched some stickers and sighed… as hard as an old man.
The woman leaned over and quietly said, «No money, son.» He just nodded silently.
And also — he was wearing such a pathetic cap with a pom-pom. It’s childish. My heart shrank.
For some reason, I remembered that Anyuta never asked for anything either.
For a couple of seconds I thought… rushed around the hall, threw these markers, stickers, a box of plasticine and various boy joys into the package. Quickly paid, put the check in the bag.
I thought, how to give so as not to offend? The case is subtle.
I waited until my mother went to the cash register, came up to him and cheerfully said: “Hello, boy.” It’s pom-pom hat day. You didn’t know?! How come? We’re running a competition for the best pompos on the hat. You win, here’s your prize!
He looked at me like that. You know, I’ve only seen that look once in my life.
Until he came to his senses, I jumped out into the street and on the way I thought about the fact that a stranger to me, with awe and faith in miracles, got his little childhood happiness … I really felt better.
They say that everything we do is for ourselves, good or bad.
Author: Elena Dimitrova
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Soul investment!
Orthodox stories from life
