In a small village far from the nearest city, there lived villagers who worked honestly and ate what they could grow in their gardens and fields. They were not wealthy, and they did not share their vegetables and fruits with one another.
The miller Prokhor Ivanovich had a daughter named Vera growing up. When she was five years old, her mother passed away, and the miller raised his daughter alone. It was difficult for him, but he tried to instil only good character traits in his daughter. Vera was about to turn eighteen. Her birthday that year coincided with the bright holiday of Easter.
What would you like me to give you for your coming of age, my daughter?
Prokhor Ivanovich asked Vera one day.
You know, Papa, I thought for a long time about what I would like to receive for my birthday. And finally, I came up with an idea. Since my birthday this year coincides with Easter, I would like to bake many kulichs and give them to all the residents of our village.
Vera answered.
Perhaps you should think about it some more?
Her father asked again.
No, I don't need any other gift.
Very well, my daughter, your wish is my command. It shall be as you have said.
A few days before Easter, Vera and her father began making kulichs. Since her father was a miller, they had plenty of flour, and Vera loved animals very much, so they had a cow and chickens in their yard. They had everything necessary to bake kulichs.
Although the village was small, they needed to bake quite a lot of kulichs. But for Vera, these were pleasant tasks. She set about the work with enthusiasm. After a couple of days, the kulichs were ready. Now all that remained was to distribute them to everyone.
Vera took a small cart, loaded the kulichs onto it, and set off to visit her neighbours' homes. Vera knocked on the neighbours' door.
What is it?
The door opened slightly.
Hello, my name is Vera. I am your neighbour. I have brought you some kulichs.
We have no money.
Please take them, I baked them myself.
Go away. Why don't you call Grandfather Frost and offer him kulichs too, what nonsense.
Someone grumbled from behind the door.
But they are completely free.
Vera said.
Why are they free?
Simply because I very much want everyone in our village to live in harmony, rather than hiding behind high fences. Please take a kulich. I baked it myself.
All right.
And then the door opened fully and an elderly woman stood in the doorway. She took the kulich and thanked the girl.
This woman's name was Maria Nikolaevna. She grew grapes and made raisins from them. Maria Nikolaevna's family had a bicycle, which the villagers considered a luxury. On this bicycle, Maria Nikolaevna's husband occasionally rode to the city and sold raisins. With the money he earned, he bought various curiosities.
For Easter, they prepared kutya. Vera's gesture made an impression on Maria Nikolaevna. She suddenly realized that, despite living in the village for quite a long time, she hardly knew anyone. Maria Nikolaevna decided it was time for her to get to know her neighbours.
Meanwhile, Vera continued to distribute kulichs to homes. At first, everyone received her coldly, but as soon as they learned that the kulichs were being given away completely free, their attitude changed.
Vera told everyone about her birthday on Easter. And the villagers began to communicate with each other for the first time in a long while. With her noble gesture, Vera melted the ice in their hearts.
The neighbours decided to thank Vera for her kindness. Maria Nikolaevna's yard was quite large. Here they decided to hold a celebration for Vera. Each villager brought to the table what they had in abundance.
The table turned out very well. After that, Vera was invited to the table. She was pleasantly surprised. After this, all the villagers began to live in harmony, visiting each other more and more often.
Goodness done to people from a pure heart always returns in kind deeds.
