Nazim’s bakery was well-known throughout the region, enjoying a steady stream of customers who couldn’t get enough of his flavorful baked goods.
People of all ages — especially children — adored the treats he created.
Nazim and his family had moved to Russia years earlier, fleeing the turmoil and joblessness that followed the collapse of their homeland. One day, as he wandered into a café offering Eastern cuisine, Nazim was taken aback — the pastries there paled in comparison to the ones he remembered from his youth.
This moment sparked an idea: he would open a small bakery with his wife Fatima, offering the rich, traditional Eastern flavors he cherished. Over time, Nazim not only built a successful business but also a family, eventually becoming both a father and grandfather.
A gentle and generous soul, Nazim had a soft spot for children and often gave them pastries for free, believing that children were life’s true treasures.
On this particular morning, he started his day as he often did — feeding stray animals, including a scruffy British cat abandoned by its owners. Suddenly, he felt a soft tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a young girl, perhaps ten years old, shyly asking if she could have some bread.
Moved by her polite request, Nazim filled a paper bag with warm pies and buns. Then, thinking of her well-being, he added a couple of ripe peaches and a juicy apple.
“Thank you kindly, sir,” the girl said sweetly, clutching the bag to her chest as she walked toward the square.
Feeling an unexpected tug at his heart, Nazim couldn’t ignore his concern for her.
Without hesitation, he removed his apron and told Fatima he’d be back shortly, then followed the child.
Just as he was about to call out, he noticed a large dog bounding toward her. But instead of being afraid, the girl greeted the dog joyfully and offered it a bun from her bag.
“Look what I brought you, Lucky!” she said.
The dog eagerly devoured the treat. Then, the girl walked over to a tree where a small folding chair, a shoebox, and a rubber ball were waiting. It became clear she had left the dog there while she fetched food.
Although she herself looked undernourished, her first thought had been for her companion.
“Ready, Lucky? Let’s begin!” she chirped, and with that, she started a street performance with the dog. The two danced, did tricks, and played with the ball, drawing a curious and delighted crowd. Nazim watched in awe, impressed by the girl’s talent and spirit.
People laughed, clapped, and tossed coins and small bills into the shoebox. Seeing this, Nazim was overcome with emotion. He approached and quietly placed a handful of money, including several large bills, into her collection. The girl thanked him with a theatrical bow and packed up.
Feeling protective, Nazim offered to walk her home.
To his relief, she agreed. On the way, she introduced herself as Nastya and shared that she lived with her mother in a nearby apartment building. She spoke proudly of her good grades and love for school.
When they reached her apartment, she called out cheerfully, “Mom, I’m home! We have a guest — Uncle Nazim helped us today!”
Stepping inside, Nazim expected to meet a neglectful mother — perhaps even one who drank. But as Nastya’s mother emerged, it became clear he had been wrong. The woman wasn’t drunk — she was blind, using the walls for support.
Nazim was stunned. His gaze fell on a large jar of coins labeled in a child’s handwriting: “For Mom’s Surgery.”
Before leaving, Nazim promised to look after Nastya and shared the situation with his family. Fatima, deeply touched, asked what they could do. The answer became clear.
The very next day, Nazim arranged for Nastya and Lucky to perform outside the bakery. Alongside the money they earned, Nazim contributed more from his pocket. His grandson, Ruslan, inspired by the event, filmed the performance and uploaded it online.
The video exploded in popularity, spreading across the country within hours.
Unexpectedly, this brought a wave of attention to Nazim’s bakery and Nastya’s story. Corporate sponsors reached out. Charities offered help. Her performance became a symbol of hope.
Thanks to widespread support, enough money was raised within days for Tatyana’s surgery. Nazim coordinated with a Swiss eye clinic, and soon after, Tatyana and Nastya flew out for the procedure.
When they returned, Tatyana, no longer guided by walls, walked down the plane steps 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.
