The hungry girl asked the baker for a slice of bread, but she didn’t eat it. The baker was surprised when he found out why.

Nazim’s bakery was famous throughout the region, attracting a steady stream of customers who couldn’t resist the aroma and taste of his breads and pastries. People of all ages — especially children — adored his creations.

Years earlier, Nazim and his family had moved to Russia, fleeing the crisis and unemployment that devastated his homeland after the collapse of a great empire. One day, by chance, he walked into a café serving Eastern cuisine. To his surprise, the pastries there were nothing like those from his childhood.

That moment sparked an idea: he would open a small bakery with his wife, Fatima, offering the rich, traditional Eastern flavors he loved. With determination and perseverance, his dream became reality. Over time, Nazim built not only a successful business but also a family, becoming both a father and a grandfather.

Kind and generous by nature, he had a soft spot for children, often giving them pastries for free, believing they were the flowers of life.

On this particular morning, as usual, he began his day feeding stray animals — including an old British cat abandoned by its owners. Suddenly, he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a girl of about ten, shyly asking if she could have some bread.

Touched by her request, Nazim filled a paper bag with warm pies and buns. Thinking of her well-being, he added two ripe peaches and a sweet apple.

“Thank you so much, sir,” the girl said, hugging the bag tightly to her chest before walking toward the town square.

An inexplicable concern gripped Nazim’s heart. Without hesitation, he removed his apron, told Fatima he’d be back soon, and set off after the girl.

Just as he was about to call out to her, he saw a large dog running toward her. Instead of fear, the girl’s face lit up with joy.

“Look what I brought you, Lucky!” she said, giving the dog one of the buns.

The dog devoured it happily. Then, the girl walked to a tree where a folding chair, a shoebox, and a rubber ball were waiting. It was clear she had left the dog there while she went to get food. Even though she herself looked undernourished, her first thought had been for her companion.

“Ready, Lucky? Let’s begin!” she chirped, starting a street performance with the dog. Together, they danced, did tricks, and played with the ball, drawing a crowd of smiling, curious onlookers.

People laughed, applauded, and tossed coins and small bills into the shoebox. Overcome with emotion, Nazim stepped forward and quietly placed several large bills among the donations. The girl bowed theatrically in thanks and began to pack up.

Concerned for her safety, Nazim offered to walk her home. She agreed and introduced herself as Nastya, explaining that she lived with her mother in a nearby apartment building. She spoke proudly about her good grades and love for school.

When they arrived, she called out cheerfully, “Mom, I’m home! We have a guest — Uncle Nazim helped us today!”

Nazim expected to meet a negligent or troubled mother. Instead, he saw a woman who was not drunk or careless — but blind, using the walls to guide herself.

His eyes fell on a large jar of coins with a handwritten label: “For Mom’s Surgery.”

Before leaving, Nazim promised to help. The next day, he invited Nastya and Lucky to perform outside the bakery. Alongside the money they earned, Nazim contributed generously from his own pocket. His grandson Ruslan filmed the show and posted it online.

Within hours, the video went viral across the country. Sponsors and charities reached out. Nastya’s story and performance became a symbol of hope and kindness.

In just a few days, enough money was raised for Tatyana’s surgery. Nazim coordinated with a Swiss eye clinic, and soon mother and daughter flew abroad for the procedure.

When they returned, Tatyana walked down the steps of the plane without needing to touch the walls, holding her daughter’s hand. Lucky barked joyfully, leaping into their arms.

It was a new beginning — made possible by kindness, courage, and the unbreakable bond between a girl, her dog, and a baker with a heart of gold.