19/07/2025
She missed her plane to help a man with a sore leg, not realizing that he was the owner of the airline.
In a small but picturesque town, where everyone knew everyone else by name, lived a young girl named Anna. This town was quiet and cozy, as if frozen in time - with narrow streets, old lanterns and houses surrounded by blooming flower beds. There was always a feeling of peace and mutual support. People had known each other for many years, were friends with their families, helped each other in difficult times. And among all the residents, Anna especially stood out for her kindness. She did not just smile at passers-by - she felt a sincere desire to make someone else's life a little brighter. She was considered a person with a big heart, ready to help even a stranger.
For Anna, being kind and sympathetic was not an obligation, but a way of life. She believed that every small act can be the beginning of something bigger. Helping an elderly neighbor bring groceries, supporting a friend in difficult times, participating in charity events - all this made up her daily routine. And although sometimes she wanted to rest herself, she always found strength for others. That is why no one was surprised when one day she told me that she had helped someone again - even if it cost her something important.
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. Her friend went abroad to study, and the years flew by so quickly that they almost lost touch. But recently they accidentally found each other on a social network and agreed to meet. For Anna, this was a real gift of fate.
Getting ready for the trip, she double-checked every thing in her suitcase, as if she was afraid of forgetting something. Every item seemed important to her: a favorite sweater, a photo album with childhood photos, a notebook for notes to remember everything they discussed. She imagined how they would walk the streets of an unfamiliar city, drink coffee in cozy cafes, laugh until their stomachs hurt and share stories that they had kept inside all these years. This thought warmed her from the inside, and she happily walked to the bus stop that was supposed to take her to the train station, and then to the airport.
The morning was cool, but clear. The leaves on the trees were starting to turn autumnal, the air was fresh and full of hope. Anna walked, breathing deeply in the morning freshness, thinking about everything at once - how much her friend had changed, 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 remain the same.
It was then, when her thoughts were occupied with pleasant memories, that her attention was drawn to a man standing at the edge of the sidewalk. He looked confused and clearly in pain. His movements were slow, he leaned against the wall of the house, trying to stay on his feet. Anna involuntarily slowed down. She understood that she had to hurry, because the flight would not wait, but something inside did not allow her to pass by. Perhaps it was intuition, or that same sense of duty that always guided her.
Coming closer, she asked softly:
- Excuse me, are you feeling unwell? Can I help you?
The man turned to her. There was a weak but grateful smile on his face.
- My name is Victor, - he answered, slightly out of breath. - I twisted my ankle a couple of days ago... And today I need to catch a flight. I'm already late, and the airport is too far.
Anna thought for a second. ⬇
