On a beautiful sunny day, two neighbouring boys, Kostya and Misha, were heading to school to sit an exam on kindness.
Chatting and discussing some of the test questions, they approached the school building.
Suddenly an elderly woman called out to Misha:
Could you help me carry these bags home, please?
No way! I haven't got time. I'm running late for school, I've got an important kindness exam! If I'm late and fail it, I'll automatically be marked down as an unkind person. Do I need that? Besides, look how heavy your bags are—I don't want to strain myself!
Misha flatly refused the elderly woman and walked on.
Kostya glanced at his watch and then at the confused and upset old lady. She stood there with tears in her eyes, having never expected such words from Misha. She had no idea how she'd manage the bags—she simply didn't have the strength to carry them home.
Don't worry, Gran. I've got a few minutes to spare. I'll help you and still make it to the exam.
Said Kostya, taking the bags from her hands.
You sit on the bench here, I'll take the bags, then I'll come back and help you get home.
Kostya quickly delivered the bags, then took the elderly woman's arm and slowly walked her to her front door. Along the way they chatted, and it turned out that Marina Vladimirovna, as the woman was called, had once worked as a primary school teacher, teaching children their letters, subtraction and multiplication…
Marina Vladimirovna, please take my phone number. Ring me anytime you need help. I can pop to the shops, the chemist for medicine, or the library for books.
Kostya said as they said goodbye.
Thank you so much, son! You've got a kind heart.
The elderly woman thanked the boy.
As for Misha, she said nothing—she felt terribly ashamed of his behaviour.
So, what do you reckon—which of the two boys passed the kindness exam?
