Yulia Antonovna had long served in the Grigoryev household—Vladimir and Lyudmila. Today the masters had gone somewhere, and the maid, having finished all her chores around the house, sat down to rest by the window. Suddenly, her attention was drawn to a little boy on the street. Skinny and clad in tattered clothes, he was wandering along the fence of their property.
“Perhaps he’s hungry,” sighed Yulia Antonovna, feeling pity for the unfortunate child. Glancing at the huge clock in the living room, she decided that the couple wouldn’t return anytime soon and stepped out into the yard.
“What’s your name?” she asked softly, addressing the boy who was carefully watching the street. “Vasya,” he replied, giving her a wary look from beneath his disheveled bangs. “Well then, Vasya, come with me. I’ll feed you some fresh apple pie,” the woman offered, and the boy, without hesitation, followed her. His stomach had been rumbling from hunger for a long time—he hadn’t eaten anything that day.
In the kitchen, Yulia Antonovna carefully cut an impressive slice of pie with a knife and placed a plate in front of the hungry little one.
“Oh, it’s so delicious!” Vasya exclaimed, greedily biting into the soft pastry. “My mother used to bake a pie just like this once!” “And where is your mother?” the woman asked cautiously. The boy paused, stopped chewing, and sadly lowered his eyes. “I’ve been looking for her for a long time… She disappeared,” he murmured softly. “Eat, eat,” Yulia Antonovna gently encouraged him. “You’ll find your mother, I’m sure you will.”
At that moment, the front door creaked, and Vladimir and Lyudmila entered the house. The maid flinched at the sound of the footsteps.
“And who do we have here as our guest?” Vladimir asked in surprise as he peered into the kitchen. His eyes widened when he saw the boy. “Who did you bring in, Yulia?” he said sternly to the maid. “This child is looking for his mother; he’s hungry, and I decided to feed him,” the woman replied calmly, shrugging her shoulders.
“So now you’re feeding all sorts of strays? And our opinion no longer matters to you?” the master of the house protested.
Hearing these words, Vasya began to cry. “I’m going to leave now,” he mumbled, putting the half-eaten piece of pie back on the plate.
Then Lyudmila intervened: “Wait, boy,” she said softly. “Tell me, where are you from? Where did you lose your mother?”
Lyudmila had always been gentler than her husband. Sometimes Vladimir would scold her for being overly kind, but he had never succeeded in changing her nature.
“I live with my grandfather, but he’s mean. He’s always scolding me for something, and sometimes he even hits me. I ran away from him,” Vasya confessed, and he pulled from the pocket of his old, ragged trousers a yellowed photograph.
“These are my parents. We used to live together,” said the boy, wiping away his tears with his hand as he handed the photo to the homeowners.
Lyudmila, taking the photo in her hands, froze…In the photo was her daughter, Varya! “Look, Volodya, it’s our girl!” she exclaimed, trembling as she passed the photo to her husband.
Vladimir reluctantly took the photo. “Vasya, how did you come by this photo?” he asked in surprise.
“I stole it from my grandfather. On the other side is an address, so I came here. I thought maybe my mother lives here,” the boy answered as he calmed down. “Grandpa always says that my mother is like a cuckoo who abandoned me. But I don’t believe him!”
“It can’t be! It can’t be!” Lyudmila repeated, recalling how their daughter Varya had once run away with a Gypsy named Manush. For several years they hadn’t heard from her, and then she returned, only to be involved in an accident soon after. That day became a nightmare for them, after which they were left completely alone in these huge mansions.
“And where is your father?” Vladimir asked. “And my father is gone. He was buried six months ago,” Vasya cried once more.
The pair was stunned. They had found a grandson! Tired of loneliness, they decided to keep the boy with them.
“You know, little one, we’ll take you to your room,” said Lyudmila. “And will my mother come?” asked Vasya. “Your mother is now with your father,” the woman replied sadly.
Vasya paled.
After a while, the couple finalized the adoption documents. The boy’s grandfather did not object upon learning that his grandson could be taken in by affluent people.
Yulia Antonovna was delighted. Thanks to that day when she met the little one, the homeowners became happy. In time, Vasya was no longer the destitute, hungry stray. Instead, he became a well-dressed boy, aware of proper manners, with a loving family.
Don’t Remove This Weed if You See It: Here Are 10 Reasons Why
Purslane, the typical weed in the picture, is actually a pleasant and healthy plant, which may surprise you. It is prevalent in lawns and gardens, and while getting rid of it could be tempting, there are many benefits to keeping it around.
Uncovering Purslane’s Advantages
Working on a community garden project gave me the chance to get knowledgeable about the advantages of purslane. I learned from an experienced gardener that purslane can be used as a garnish or added to salads because of its high omega-3 fatty acid content. Ever since, I have always made it a point to use whatever purslane I find in my own yard as a side dish. Now let’s explore the reasons purslane is valuable to have:
1. Fatty acids Omega-3Purslane is reportedly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, according to Mother Earth Living. These vital minerals support mental function, lower the risk of heart attacks, and can even be used to treat depression.
2. AntioxidantsAntioxidants, which are abundant in purslane, are also important in preventing cell damage and slowing down aging. Keeping purslane in your garden, then, is like welcome a formidable ally in the fight against aging.
3. Magnesium and CalciumInclude purslane in your diet if you want to keep your teeth, muscles, and bones in good condition. The elements calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for robust and healthy bodily structures, can be found naturally in this small weed.
4. AmmoniumAnother excellent source of potassium, which lowers blood pressure, is purslane leaves. You are moving in the direction of keeping your cardiovascular system healthy by include purslane in your regular meals.
5. IronContrary to popular belief, purslane is a good source of iron as well. Most people believe that the only foods high in iron are red meat and beans. Thus, you can increase your intake of iron by eating purslane.
6. Beta-CarotenePurslane is actually a strong source of beta-carotene, despite its green hue. The Chicago Tribune claims that this is one of the plant’s main benefits. Strong immune function and eye health are dependent on beta-carotene.
7. Drink plenty of waterSurprisingly, water makes up 93% of purslane. Purslane can therefore help rehydrate your cells, keeping you feeling renewed and invigorated.
8. Melatonin and glutathioneGlutathione, an antioxidant that shields cells from harm, and melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles, are both found in purslane. Thus, the health of your cells and your sleep patterns can both benefit from this small amount of marijuana.
9. BetalainBetalane is another potent antioxidant included in purslane. According to Progressive Health, betalain shields blood vessels from the harmful effects of cholesterol. For this reason, purslane may help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
10. GlutamineFinally, but just as importantly, tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is present in purslane. This amino acid has antidepressant properties and is involved in mood regulation. Therefore, you may improve your mood by include purslane in your meals.
The next time you see purslane growing in your garden, give it some thought before pulling it out. In actuality, this small herb is a nutritional powerhouse with a host of health advantages. Accept purslane as a beneficial addition to your diet and witness the health benefits it offers.
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