In a small world, where everyone knew each other by name, lived a young girl named Anna.
And among all the residents, Anna especially stood out for her kindness. She did not just smile at passers-by – she felt a sincere passion to make someone else’s life a little brighter. She was regarded as a person with a warm heart, ready to help even a stranger.
For Anna, being kind and responsive was not an obligation, but a way of life. She believed that every small act could be the beginning of something bigger. Helping an elderly neighbor bring groceries, encouraging a friend in a difficult moment, joining in charity events – all are parts of her daily routine.
But this time, everything was a little different. One morning, waking up with the first rays of the sun, Anna felt especially excited. She had been waiting for this day for several months. A long-awaited trip awaited her – a meeting with an old friend whom she had not seen for five years. But recently they accidentally found each other on a social network and agreed to meet. For Anna, this was a real gift of fate.
As she packed for the trip, she checked every item in her suitcase, as if she was afraid of forgetting something.
The morning was cool but clear. Anna walked, breathing deeply in the morning freshness, thinking about everything at once – how much her friend had altered, how her voice would sound after so many years, and how their meeting would turn out. Time, as we know, changes people, but Anna hoped that friendship would keep the same.
Her attention was drawn to a man standing at the edge of the sidewalk. He looked puzzled and was clearly in pain. His movements were slow, he leaned against the wall of the house, trying to stay on his feet. She understood that she had to hurry, because the flight would not wait, but something inside did not allow her to pass by.
Coming closer, she asked softly:
“Excuse me, are you unwell? Can I help you?”.
“My name is Victor,” he answered, a little out of breath. “I twisted my ankle a couple of days ago… And today I have a flight to catch. I’m already late, and the airport is too far away.”
“Let’s call a taxi,” she suggested. “I’ll walk you there.”
Victor initially refused, not wanting to cause trouble, but Anna insisted. During this time, a normal conversation began between them. Victor turned out to be an interesting person, with a rich life story. He told how he started with the most basic positions in an airline, and now heads one of the largest companies in the country.
Anna listened attentively, but had no idea who was really in front of her. For her, he was just a person who needed help. She shared her plans, talked about her friend, about her aspirations to see the world. Victor listened with lively interest, sometimes inserting his thoughts or jokes that helped him relieve the pain.
When they arrived at the airport, the situation became more surprising.
Check-in was due in ten minutes. Victor was limping, moving slowly, and Anna knew he wouldn’t make it in time without help. Without wasting any time, she took his arm and together they hurried to the check-in desk.
When all the formalities were completed, Victor turned to Anna. His gaze showed sincere gratitude.
“I don’t know how to thank you,” he said.
“You could have just walked past. But you stopped. That means a lot.”
Then he paused and added,
“If you agree, I want to give you a gift. Let me organize your trip so that you don’t have to worry about anything. Comfortable class, personal service, everything you deserve for your kindness.”
Anna hadn’t predicted this turn of events. They exchanged contacts, said goodbye, and each headed to their exit. But this meeting stayed with her forever.
A couple of days later, Anna received a message from Victor. He kept his word. First-class tickets were issued, a detailed itinerary was prepared, even a window seat was chosen – exactly what she loved most. The trip was truly unforgettable.
After returning home, Anna wrote to Victor, thanked him, and told him how the trip had gone. She didn’t predict their relationship would go on, but Victor answered. He invited her to a closed event for the airline’s VIP guests, and there they met again.
Over a cup of hot tea, they talked for a long time, like old friends. They were united not only by this story, but also by a same understanding of the importance of human relationships.
Anna not only helped Victor, but also received more than she could have expected. And Victor, in turn, remembered that the true value of success is in the ability to share it with others.
