Her heart is as big as the sky and there is room for every human being, no matter how insignificant or forgotten by the world. She never thought of herself, but always of others. When she finished primary school in her home village, she decided to continue her education in Celje. She was a diligent student and quickly earned her first scholarship. The money she received was used to pay for a monthly ticket and school meals. Nothing luxurious, but just the basic necessities for a student who took the bus and walked to school every day.
One afternoon, on her way back from school, she walked past the city's shop windows, stopping in front of one that was particularly well decorated. In it hung a soft pink silk nightdress, so light and beautiful that it seemed to float. Tatiana's breath caught: 'Wow, that would be for my mummy,' she said to herself. "It would look so beautiful on her."
She entered the shop without a second thought. Even though she knew it wouldn't leave her enough money for a ticket or a snack, she couldn't help but buy this shirt for her mother. When she handed the present to her mother at home, she got teary-eyed. She was touched to the core. But her joy was soon interrupted by worry; her family reminded her that she should have spent the money on other things. They told her that they would help her this time, but sternly instructed her to buy a ticket instead of such things next time.
Time passed quickly and she soon got her next scholarship. This time, Tatiana promised herself to be prudent, but on her way home she passed a retirement home. Just as she was about to speed up her pace to avoid bumping into someone, an elderly gentleman appeared at the entrance and quietly asked her, "Miss, would you give me 50 cents? I'd like to buy myself a glass of Radenska." His face was exhausted, but there was warmth in his eyes. Tatiana reached into her wallet without thinking. Instead of 50 cents, she handed him almost three quarters of her grant. The old man was touched. Tears glistened in his eyes. He kept thanking her and promising her that he would now enjoy his favourite glass of Radenska more often.
Tatiana walked away with warmth in her heart, but when she opened her wallet, she was hit by a cold wave. She didn't have enough money left to buy a ticket. What would she say at home? Her heart was pounding with worry. When she walked through the door, her father looked at her seriously and asked, "Tatiana, did you finally buy your monthly ticket today?" She blushed and nodded quietly. Her voice trembled as she admitted what she had done. "Where did you put the money again?" Dad said indignantly. She explained how the old man had taken pity on her. This time, the locals were relentless. "That was the last time. Next time you won't get any more money," she was told.
When she received her new scholarship, Tatjana was up at dawn. This time, she marched straight to the ticket office and bought her monthly pass. She clutched her wallet tightly to her. She no longer allowed herself to look in the shop windows and she avoided the old people's home. Her heart tugged at her to do so, but her father's words echoed in her mind. Although she had learned a lesson about responsibility, she never stopped believing that she could make the world a little better, even if it meant going a little hungry or fare-less.
Justina Strašek, 27. 6. 2025
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