On a beautiful sunny day, two neighboring boys, Kostya and Misha, were heading to school to take a kindness exam.
As they talked and discussed some of the test questions, they approached the school building.
Suddenly, an elderly woman called out to Misha:
Please help me carry these bags home.
Are you serious? I don't have time. I'm in a hurry to get to school—I have an important exam on kindness! If I'm late and fail it, I'll automatically be labeled as an unkind person. Do I need that? Besides, your bags are so heavy, 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 grandmother. She stood there with tears in her eyes, having never expected such words from Misha. She didn't know how to manage the bags on her own—she simply didn't have the strength to carry them home.
Don't be upset, grandmother. I have a few spare minutes. I'll help you and still make it to the exam.
Kostya said, taking the bags from her hands.
You sit on the bench. I'll take the bags, then come back and help you get home.
Kostya quickly delivered the bags, then took the grandmother by the arm and slowly walked her to her apartment building. 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 store, 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 behavior.
So, what do you think—which of the boys passed the kindness exam?
