Vanya woke up earlier than usual. The room was cold, and the gray, chilly November morning made the village seem quiet. His mother was ill, lying under a woolen blanket, her cough even present in her sleep. Vanya knew he had to care for the house and his younger sister, Ksyusha.
After making sure everything was in order, he went to chop firewood. His fingers froze, but he worked tirelessly, thinking of his family waiting at home. When he returned, Ksyusha asked, “Do you know what day it is?” Vanya simply replied, “I know,” but the weight of their struggles left him little time to think about his birthday.
Later, when checking the gate, he found a basket with food and a beautiful cake. Vanya looked around in disbelief. His neighbor, Baba Lyuda, smiled and wished him a happy birthday. She explained, “We all decided to help. You’ve been taking care of your family, so we thought we’d bring some joy.”
Vanya’s heart swelled with gratitude as tears filled his eyes. He had never expected this kindness.
He brought the basket inside, where Ksyusha excitedly exclaimed, “A cake!” It was a rare moment of joy in their difficult lives. As they ate the cake and drank tea, their mother, though weak, smiled and said, “Thank you, you are the best.” Vanya smiled back, realizing how much his mother had changed, but how much love still shone in her eyes.
The next day, Vanya went to the well for water, determined to keep things in order. Baba Lyuda appeared and, noticing his serious expression, asked what was wrong. Vanya shyly thanked her again for the kindness. She replied, “Goodness always comes back.”
Vanya began helping others—bringing firewood for lonely neighbors, caring for children, and supporting his community in small ways. People recognized his efforts, but he simply said, “I’m just doing what’s right.”
One day, Ksyusha asked, “Vanya, will you always help people?” He replied, “Of course. Because it’s necessary. People should take care of each other.” Ksyusha nodded, adding, “Then I’ll help too.”
Vanya smiled, proud of his sister, and felt that the warmth of kindness would continue to grow in their small village.