SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Of course you can. But it's true that I was still a young driver at the time. I had had my car test for maybe a year, and I was driving casually because I didn't have my own car yet. I am not very proud to add that I always had too short a safety distance. That is what other people told me, but it seemed to me that it was not true and that I had good reflexes. Well, at least that's what I thought.

My friend and I are standing in a side street in a queue, waiting to turn onto a very busy road, which at that time still had no traffic lights. We were in a good mood and giggling about the adventures of the previous weekend. We slowly approached the crossroads. The main road had finally emptied out a bit, allowing a few drivers to pull out in front of me. There was a car coming from a distance, but there was still enough time for at least three more drivers to get off.

I wanted to double-check that it was safe to take off, so I turned my head to the left. At that moment I heard a "boom". Well, what is it now? The driver in front of me had stopped just as I was checking the road. Before I knew it, he was standing in front of my car, waving his arms, telling me where I was looking and pointing at my twisted sheet metal.

I also got out of the car, scared, and told him that he had done it on purpose because he could drive off safely, followed by me and the next person in the queue. Of course, he did not agree with that. He demanded a report and to take the blame for the damage. Although I was watching, I did not see that his car was damaged. It was not, because it still had a towbar on it at the time.

Other drivers started honking at us because we were obstructing traffic. We agreed to pull onto the pavement a few metres further and make the necessary arrangements. My car, however, did nothing. I turn the key and silence. Not a sound. And this. My friend and I get out of the car and push it onto the pavement so as not to further obstruct traffic. I look at the front of the car, which has been smashed by the hook, and I watch with tears in my eyes as something runs out from under the bonnet.

Make the necessary arrangements Paprology. What now? I didn't know what, how, where, why.The only thing I kept repeating to myself in that moment was "It's not fair."

Then a young gentleman on a bicycle comes by, stops and asks us if we need help. Of course we do. I rush to him, eager to explain what happened and that the car won't start. The gentleman opens the hatch, takes out a tool from his rucksack, unwraps the part and explains to us that the radiator has burst, which is why the car won't start.

Tears streamed down my mascara-smeared face. What now, I wonder, as the gentleman looks at me and tells me not to be shy. There is a mechanic nearby. He'll go and get a new fridge, then come back. My face lights up with happiness.

I am in a hurry to express my gratitude, because I did not expect such a thing. There was no judgment and no unnecessary comments from him. I had a good-hearted person in front of me, and the next moment he was on his way to get a replacement part. 

My friend and I stood by the car waiting for her to come back. Of course, in the meantime, we were also momentarily torn by doubt. What if he's not back and he's just pulled our leg a little? Soon our doubts were dispelled, because I saw a cyclist in the distance and I kept repeating in my mind: "Let it be him, let it be him." And he was. With a new fridge. He installed it quickly and expertly, then turned the key and the car started.

I gratefully ask him how much I owe him. He mentions a figure which, at the time, seemed ridiculously low to me. Of course I mention it to him and he says, with a smile on his face, that it is the price of a fridge and that he will not count his travel, time and work. Because that is what he thinks is right.

I tried to convince him that his work and time were worth something, and I wanted to put some cash in his pocket. He stuck to his guns, refused the money, grabbed his backpack, got on his bike and rode off. "I don't even know your name," I managed to shout after him, but he didn't hear me anymore. "Thank you!" I shouted after him again. I kept my eyes open for a while after that, looking around for him, but he was gone.

Life often sends us the help of good people we don't know when we need them most. People who are willing to do good for no reason. I am just deeply grateful for them.

Mateja Jamnik, 18. 2. 2025