SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

She is a naturally simple and sincere woman who has no difficulty giving, even though she herself does not always have much. Her heart is as good as bread kneaded with love. She did not seek attention in her home town, Slovenske Konjice, but people knew her. Not by words, but by deeds.

On a normal morning, she walked into a Mercator store. She had her shopping list in mind. Nothing special - bread, milk, some salami for her husband and yoghurt for her two granddaughters, in case they came to visit in the afternoon. The shop was moderately full, people rushing in and out, each with their own thoughts and worries. Tatiana queued up at the checkout and waited calmly. She was in no hurry. She had her own massage parlour with one employee, so she could go for a little something during working hours. Although her life was not luxurious, she knew how to appreciate it.

There were a few people in the queue in front of her. Among them was an elderly gentleman who caught her attention. His posture was slightly stooped. He was dressed modestly but neatly. In his hands he was holding only a bundle of pears. When it was his turn, he put them on the belt and reached for his wallet. The saleswoman told him how much they cost; a little over four euros. The man slowly counted the coins. He carefully folded the euros and cents between his fingers. He quickly realised that a few were missing. "Ah," he sighed in a shaky voice, "I'll leave the pears here. I won't take them today."

Tatiana became instantly attentive. There was no anger or disappointment in his voice, just a quiet sadness. Nothing dramatic, nothing shouting, but it was this calm pain that went straight to Tatiana's heart. The man was turning to leave when she called to him, "Lord, wait!"

He looked around in surprise. His look was confused, as if he didn't know who was calling him. "Yes, you - you who buy pears!" she said kindly, walking towards him. She was already holding a few euros in her hand. "Let me buy them for you," she said quietly, almost shyly, as if apologising for her kindness.

Tears fell on the Lord. He stood for a moment, then bowed His head. "I don't know what to say... Thank you, really thank you," he murmured. Tatiana was a little embarrassed, but she said with a smile, "Ah, a little something. They're just pears."

The shop assistant completed the purchase in silence. The customers looked curiously. Some in surprise, others with a slight smile, as if for a moment they had remembered that there are still people who are guided by their hearts rather than their minds.

When Tatjana stepped out of the shop, the air smelled fresh and the sun was caressing her. She didn't feel like a hero, just human - and that was more than enough. She felt warmth in her heart. Not because of the old man's gratitude, but because she knew that her small act meant something big to him.

As she was leaving for home, she was already making her list for the next day, but somewhere inside she knew she would remember this event. Not for the pears, but for the humanity she felt. Because of the pleasant feeling in her heart and the gratitude in his eyes.

Justina Strašek