Taxi

Near the sports center, a boy of about fifteen with a large backpack gets into Azriel’s car and asks for a ride home. It’s springtime, so the cab driver made an assumption: - Are you from school? - No. We had a competition, it’s over, and I’m excused from school,” the boy said. - What grade are you in? — asked Azriel. - In the ninth, — said the schoolboy, — Exams are coming up. - What are the competitions? — the man asked. - Swimming. I do extra lessons, so when they told me about this competition, I immediately agreed, — said the teenager. - Are you a good swimmer? — The cab driver asked. - I have the third adult category! — boasted the passenger. - Wow! Congratulations! — appreciated Azriel, — And as a student, what grades do you study for? - A’s and B’s. My parents taught me a lot when I was a kid, so the program is easy for me. Unlike my classmates,” he finished with a chuckle. - What’s wrong with your classmates? — the man asked. - Do you know that on February ninth we had an oral interview in Russian? — After receiving a nod of the head in response, he continued, “Well, that’s it. We have twenty-five people in our class. Only fourteen passed the exam! Eleven will have to retake it! - Wow! I passed the first time… Well, I’m happy for you! Although it’s strange, our whole class passed without retaking it! — exclaimed Azriel. - Well, it’s even more difficult now! I’m sure you had more time, not fifteen minutes, and the assignments were easier! — commented the schoolboy. - Perhaps, perhaps. Well, I can see you’re a cheerful young man. Do you have many friends? — the cab driver asked me one last time. - You know, I didn’t expect it myself, but when I came to the competition, all the participants and even the coaches said hello to me! — laughed the boy. - Really? — Azriel was surprised, “I wish I had so many acquaintances! - And my teachers love me too. I have long ago learned for myself — the key to good grades — the love of teachers! But don’t think I’m pampering them! I do my best at lessons, I participate in Olympiads, — the teenager got into a frenzy, — I also don’t bully and help teachers if they ask me to! - People like you are very rare! It was a pleasure to ride with you. We’re here now. Goodbye! — smiling, the cab driver said goodbye. - Goodbye! — said the passenger and, jumping out of the car, walked lightly in the direction of the house.