Nazim’s bakery was famous throughout the region and always very popular with customers. Young and old alike enjoyed his delicious pastries. For his young foodie fans, Nazim always gave a discount, which brought smiles and gratitude from parents.

Nazim had arrived in Russia with his family many years ago, after the collapse of the great state in his homeland, when widespread unrest and unemployment hit the population hard. A hardworking man, he had spent many years working as a road worker and street cleaner, until one day, by chance, he entered a café specializing in Oriental cuisine. To his surprise, he discovered that the pastries offered by the baker there bore no resemblance to those of his childhood—qualified professionals were rare in the field.

That’s when Nazim had the idea to open a small bakery where, together with his wife Fatima, he could delight customers with delicious Oriental treats. Of course, the road to his dream was long and full of obstacles, but thanks to his perseverance and determination, he succeeded. Years passed since his first batch, and Nazim had become a father and then a grandfather.

A generous and devoted man, he loved children and often treated the little ones for free, convinced that “children are the flowers of life.” He also always fed stray animals and supported the local shelter for abandoned pets. Wise and kind, he believed that dogs and cats are man’s best friends—and if, on any given day, he could save even one animal life, the day was a success. That very morning, the compassionate baker had started his day feeding two homeless dogs and an old British shorthair cat cruelly abandoned in the street.

While Fatima busied herself by the oven, turning over small buns and crispy turnovers, Nazim brought out a tray of leftovers from the previous night to feed the hungry animals.

— “Right away, my dears! Don’t rush—there’s enough for everyone,” he told them as they ate.

Suddenly, someone tapped him gently on the shoulder and asked in a shy voice:

— “Can I have a piece of bread too?”

Nazim turned around and to his great surprise, saw a girl of about ten, holding out her little hand.

— “Oh sweetheart… Why do you want yesterday’s stale bread? Here, I’ll give you a fresh bun, just out of the oven! Would you like that?” said Nazim, his heart aching as he looked at the thin, pale girl.

— “Sorry, sir… I don’t have any money to buy anything,” she replied, lowering her eyes and counting a few coins in her fist.

— “Money? No, no! Just take the bun, okay? I have a grandson your age… What would you say if I took your money?” Nazim replied firmly, then returned to the kitchen.

He came back with a small paper bag filled with fresh turnovers and buns. After thinking for a moment, he added two peaches and a sweet apple.

— “Here you go… If you’re really hungry, sit on that bench and eat in peace,” offered the baker.

— “Thank you very much, sir, but I have to go,” the girl whispered with a smile, clutching the pastry bag to her chest and walking toward the marketplace.

— “Look at her… So small and already alone in the street… That’s not right,” said Fatima, eyes full of tears.

A wave of concern swept over Nazim. He took off his apron and told his wife he’d be back soon. After a tender goodbye, he followed the girl.

Despite her age, it wasn’t until they reached the square that he finally caught up with her. Just as he caught his breath to call out, he saw a huge dog of uncertain breed rushing toward her.

— “Laki! Laki, come here, boy! Look what I have for you,” the girl called, pulling a bun from her bag.

The dog stopped, wagged its tail, snatched the bun mid-air, then returned it to his young mistress on his hind legs.

— “I missed you so much, my good boy… You know I’ll be back soon, right?” she said, petting his thick fur.

Once the bread was gone, the girl approached a small folding stool under a tree, beside which were a shoebox and a small rubber ball. It seemed she had left the dog to stand guard while she searched for food. She looked almost hungrier than the dog.

— “Okay, Laki… Ready? Let’s go!” she called, tossing the ball into the air.

The dog leapt gracefully to catch it, then returned it to her standing on his hind legs. Together, they performed tricks and acrobatics, soon attracting a crowd of passersby who laughed and clapped for nearly ten minutes.

At the end of the show, the girl and her dog bowed to the crowd and passed the shoebox among the audience. People tossed in coins and bills—mostly two- and five-ruble coins, sometimes crumpled bills. Moved to tears, Nazim opened his wallet and placed several thousand-ruble bills and a handful of change into the box.

— “Oh no, sir… That’s too much,” the girl said, eyes wide.

— “Go ahead, take it, sweetheart… You deserve it! That performance was magical!” exclaimed Nazim, pushing away her hand.

The girl gave him a grateful smile, packed up her things, and said seriously:

— “It’s time to go home with Laki.”

When Nazim offered to walk her home, she happily accepted. On the way, she told him her name was Nastia and she lived with her mother in a nearby building.

— “My God… What kind of mother would let her child do this?” thought Nazim, impressed by Nastia’s courage.

She explained she had found Laki two years earlier—a two-week-old puppy abandoned in a bag near a trash bin, crying desperately. She had bottle-fed him for a month and named him “Laki,” meaning “lucky” in English.

Nazim learned that Nastia was a top student, reminding him of his grandson Ruslan, who struggled in school. When they reached her building, Nastia invited him in:

— “You can come, uncle! My mom will be happy to see you,” she said.

At first hesitant, Nazim eventually stepped inside, followed by Laki. In the hallway, a tired voice called out:

— “How was your day, sweetie? You were out too long…”

Nazim thought he saw signs of intoxication in the mother. But then she stepped into the light: a young blind woman leaning against the wall. A chill ran through Nazim’s heart, and tears welled in his eyes.

Tatiana, the mother, explained she had lost her sight in an accident seven years earlier, in which her husband Kolka had died. She only spoke of the possibility of treatment abroad but feared she’d never afford it. On the fridge was a jar labeled “For Mom’s Operation.”

Nazim realized then that Nastia performed on the streets to pay for her mother’s surgery. Overwhelmed, he promised Tatiana he’d do everything he could to help and went home to gather his family.

— “We must help this child… But how?” Fatima asked, eyes tearful.

— “Let’s start by inviting her to perform here at the bakery,” Nazim suggested.

The next day, thanks to his idea, Nastia and Laki performed in front of the bakery. To Nazim’s delight, the pastries sold out in ten minutes, and business had never been better. Emotional, he hugged Nastia while Laki was treated to as much food as he wanted.

On top of her earnings, Nazim gave her several thousand-ruble bills.

— “You’re a true magician,” he whispered, stroking her head.

Nastia performed for two more days, and on the third, she became famous: Nazim’s grandson Ruslan had filmed the act, and the video went viral across the country. Her fame brought even more customers to the bakery and made Nastia and Laki unexpected stars.

To meet the growing demand, Nazim hired more staff and organized two working shifts. But the most profound changes were for Nastia: sponsors reached out, and her face became a symbol of success for big companies. Within days, with the help of public and private donations, the funds for her mother’s operation were secured. Nazim proudly announced to Tatiana that she would soon travel to Switzerland for top-tier treatment.

— “I feel like I’m dreaming…” murmured Tatiana, gripping Nazim’s hand.

— “No, it’s not a dream: you’re going to see again!” replied Nastia, helping her mother choose a beautiful outfit for the journey.

To ensure Tatiana wouldn’t travel alone, Nazim sent his caring nephew Timur to accompany them during recovery. Only Laki couldn’t go—he didn’t have the papers—so he stayed with Nazim and sulked until his family returned.

At last, the long-awaited day came: Tatiana and Nastia got off the plane alone, greeted by Laki’s joyful barking as he jumped into their arms.

— “Easy, boy…” laughed Nastia, hugging her dog.

Behind them walked Timur, his heart now filled with love.

At home, Nastia and her mother were welcomed as heroes. Inspired by their story, many struggling people regained hope. Nazim’s little bakery grew into a chain renowned for Oriental pastries. Tatiana, now healed and married to Timur, became a manager at one of them. Nastia, once a street star, excelled in school and dreamed of joining a theater conservatory. And Laki, their loyal companion, still enjoyed Nazim’s treats, forever grateful to the man whose kindness sparked this wonderful chain of solidarity.