In a small town where only cars lived, a new resident appeared, a new red car. She attracted the attention of other cars, and they wanted to befriend her, but the red car was terribly arrogant—she not only didn't want to be friends, she didn't even want to say hello!
Good morning! It's a beautiful day today, isn't it? — greeted her a small old little truck. He had needed a paint job for a long time, and the pretty car didn't even look at him.
The other cars also really disliked their new neighbour's behaviour. The way she drove past, pretending she simply hadn't noticed them, and they very soon started doing the same thing towards her.
One summer morning, the red car drove out onto the road outside the town—for a drive. She was enjoying the warm sunshine when suddenly there was a pop. She had a flat tire, and the car had forgotten her spare wheel at home in her rush!
Oh well, it's nothing serious, — she tried to reassure herself. — Someone from the neighbourhood will come by soon and help!
Indeed, morning drives on this road were popular with many cars from the town, and very soon the red car saw her neighbour from the neighbouring garage, but she drove past without even stopping.
Maybe she didn't notice me? — thought the red car, but other familiar and unfamiliar cars were hurrying about their business, and no one paid attention to her.
The red car, forgetting about her pride, honked her horn, but she was like an invisible car—no one saw her.
What's going on? — she wondered.
Can I help you? — the car suddenly heard. It was the old little truck.
Yes, of course, I have a flat tire!
I happen to have spare wheels—I was taking them to a friend at the shop, but I think he won't mind if I bring him a few fewer wheels than usual, — the little truck chatted cheerfully.
Thank you very much. The cars in this town are very rude—they won't even stop, it's terrible!
—But maybe it's not them who are rude? — the truck said seriously.
What do you mean by that?
Simply that they behaved the way you behaved towards them!
If the red car could have blushed, she would have, but she was already red! So she asked barely audibly:
But why did you help me? I didn't treat you very well either.
Because I'm me! — the little truck answered cheerfully, — You should treat others the way you'd want to be treated!
The red car thought about this and didn't leave her garage for the rest of the day.
But the next day, she was a different car.
She greeted everyone, was kind to everyone, and very soon she had many, many friends, but her favourite friend was the old little truck!
