On a beautiful sunny day, two neighbouring boys, Kostya and Misha, were heading to school to take a kindness exam.
Chatting and discussing some of the test questions, they approached the school building.
Suddenly, Misha's grandmother called out to him:
Please help me carry these bags home.
Are you serious? I don't have time. I'm in a real rush to get to school—I have an important kindness exam! If I'm late and fail it, I'll automatically be marked as unkind. Do I really need that? Besides, look how heavy your bags are. I don't want to strain myself!
Misha flatly refused his grandmother and walked on.
Kostya glanced at his watch and then at the confused and upset elderly woman. She stood there with tears in her eyes, having never expected such words from Misha. She had no idea how to manage the bags on her own—she simply didn't have the strength to carry them home.
Don't worry, Grandmother. I have a few minutes to spare. I'll help you and still make it to my exam.
Kostya said, 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 his grandmother by the arm and slowly walked her to her building entrance. Along the way, they talked, and he learned that Marina Vladimirovna, as the grandmother was called, had once worked as a primary school teacher, teaching children to write letters, subtract, and multiply.
Marina Vladimirovna, please write down my phone number. Call me anytime you need help. I can go to the shop, the pharmacy for medicine, or the library for books.
Kostya said as they parted.
Thank you so much, my boy! You have a kind heart.
The grandmother thanked the boy.
As for Misha, she said nothing about him. She felt deeply ashamed of his behaviour.
So, what do you think—which of the two boys passed the kindness exam?
