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 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 instill 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've been thinking for a long time about what I would like to receive for my birthday. And finally, I've come up with an idea. Since my birthday this year falls on Easter, I would like to bake many kulich and distribute them to all the residents of our village.
Vera answered.
Perhaps you should think about it 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 said.
A few days before Easter, Vera and her father began making kulich. Since her father was a miller, they had plenty of flour, and Vera loved animals very much, so they had both a cow and chickens in their yard. They had everything necessary to bake kulich.
Although the village was small, they needed to bake quite a lot of kulich. But for Vera, these were pleasant tasks. She threw herself into the work with enthusiasm. After a couple of days, the kulich were ready. Now all that remained was to distribute them to everyone.
Vera took a small cart, loaded it with kulich, and set off to visit her neighbors' homes. Vera knocked on the neighbors' door.
What is it?
The door opened slightly.
Hello, my name is Vera. I'm your neighbor. I've brought you some kulich.
We have no money.
Please take them, I baked them myself.
Go away. Why don't you call Grandfather Frost and offer him kulich too, what nonsense.
Someone grumbled from behind the door.
But they're completely free.
Vera said.
Why free?
Simply because I really want everyone in our village to live in harmony, rather than hiding behind high fences. Please take the 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. Her husband occasionally rode this bicycle to the city to sell 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 neighbors.
Meanwhile, Vera continued to distribute kulich to homes. At first, everyone received her coldly, but once they learned that the kulich were being given away completely free, their attitude changed immediately.
Vera told everyone about her birthday falling 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 neighbors decided to thank Vera for her kindness. Maria Nikolaevna's yard was quite large. They decided to hold a celebration for Vera there. Each villager brought to the table what they had in abundance.
The table turned out very nice. Then 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 as good deeds.
