She initially attributed it to winter, as the cold really bit hard that year, more so than in previous years.
As she was driving home one late afternoon, she remembered she needed to pop into the shop for food and other supplies. She parked in front of the shop, which was a few miles from her home, and dashed in for groceries.
She lingered for some time between the shelves, chatting with a familiar sales assistant, before returning to the car park. When she got into the car and tried to start it, she had an unpleasant surprise; the car wouldn't start at all.
She felt quite dizzy from the initial shock. As she stepped out of the car, she desperately wondered what to do. A man stood nearby, observing the situation. He immediately approached her, saying, »Madam, I can see you're having trouble starting your car. I know a little about these things and can take a look at what's wrong, if you'll allow me?«.
»Of course, that would be great. I'd be very grateful,« she replied, a tiny spark of hope igniting within her. The kind man, who introduced himself as Gregor, quickly diagnosed the problem. »Your battery has clearly given up the ghost,« he said. »You'll need to buy a new one. This one's had its day,« he added.
Anica nodded and simultaneously thought about how she would get home.
»I can help you jump-start the car with cables so you can drive,« Gregor offered.
»That would be really helpful,« she replied, relieved.
Gregor, whose car was parked just a few spaces away, drove up in his car and, after a few minutes, managed to get hers working too.
A big smile spread across Anna’s face. »Oh, thank you so much! Can I repay you for your help?« she asked.
»Just buy a new battery as soon as possible. Don't worry about anything else. I was happy to help. I think that's only natural and human,« Gregor replied.
»If only there were more people like you. That way we could solve any problem quickly,« she replied, and they slowly said goodbye.
On the drive home, Anita felt warm in her heart. She was accompanied by a good feeling and the thought of how nice it is to experience that when a person is in need, he or she does not turn away, but helps. Every single one of us can find ourselves in an unpredictable and unfortunate situation at some point. Sometimes you help, sometimes someone else helps you, and in doing so, the circle of kindness is completed.
Mateja Sekavčnik, 5 March 2026
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