— A year ago, we opened this center with the hope of helping at least a few children. Today, we can proudly say: 523 children have passed through the center. 523 lives saved, 523 happy families. And all this is thanks to the team that works here not for money, but for an idea. I especially want to thank Anna Mikhailovna Petrova, the director of the center, the person who poured her soul into this project.
Applause. Anna came onto the stage, holding a folder with the report.
— I’m not good at speeches, — she began, her voice shaking. — I just want to say thank you. Thank you to Dmitry Sergeevich for his faith and support. Thank you to the doctors who work here for free. Thank you to the volunteers who come to help after their main jobs. And thank you to everyone who donates money, medicine, and their time. You are making the world a better place.
She looked out at the audience, found Katya’s eyes in the front row.
— My mother, Elena Petrovna, helped children her whole life. She was fired for it, but she didn’t break. She continued to help quietly, unnoticed. I found out about this by accident, after her death. And I realized that I wanted to continue her work. This center is a monument to all those who help people in spite of difficulties and injustice.
After the official part, parents came up to thank her, hugged her, cried. One woman, the mother of twins who were treated at the center, pulled Anna into a hug.
— You saved my boys. Thank you. Thank you.
Anna patted her on the back, not knowing what to say. Words were not necessary.
In the evening, when everyone had left, Anna was alone in the empty hall. She walked between the rows of chairs, picking up forgotten items, turning off the lights.
Dmitry came back, having forgotten his phone.
— Tired? — he asked.
— No, — Anna smiled. — On the contrary, I’m full of energy.
They stood in the semi-dark hall, the lights of the evening city glowing outside the windows.
— You know, Anna, — Dmitry began quietly. — When I gave you a ride that first time a year ago, I thought I was just helping someone in trouble. I never imagined it would grow into a whole project. That you would turn out to be such a strong person.
— I’m not strong, — Anna objected. — I just do what I think is right.
— And that is true strength.
They were silent for a moment.
— What’s next? — Dmitry asked. — What are your plans?
— I want to open branches in other parts of the city. Maybe in neighboring cities too. So that every child who needs help can get it.
— Ambitious, — Dmitry nodded. — But realistic. I’ll help.
Anna looked at him gratefully.
— Why do you do all this? Is it really just out of a desire to help?
Comments are closed.