Taxi

An old woman of about eighty gets into Azriel’s car and asks to take her to the hospital. - Does something hurt you? — asked the taxi driver. - Yes, my legs can’t carry me anymore, — she answered sadly. —Where is the orthopedist’s office in the hospital? — the man asked, realizing that he couldn’t remember. - On the second, — the woman said, sighing. - Seriously? How will you get there? Maybe I should accompany you? — Azriel suggested. - Oh, thank you, of course, but I’ll get there myself. I’ve experienced so much in my life that it won’t be difficult to overcome two flights of stairs, — the old woman muttered with a smile. The taxi driver frowned. - What happened to you? — he asked. - During the war, when I was little then, our town was besieged. We were starving. The soldiers took our supplies and forced us to work for them. Then our family, along with others, was evacuated. At thirteen, I started working at a factory to support my sick mother and younger brother. Father died in the war. I didn’t even finish my education. She worked at the factory for fifty years, but her health failed. I was sent into retirement. Now I live with my brother, — said the passenger. - I didn’t know that I was carrying a real heroine. My respect, — Azriel exclaimed, grinning. - Oh, what are you talking about! Am I a heroine? — the old lady was surprised. — No one has ever called me that. - But this is true. If others didn’t call you that, it means they simply didn’t notice your heroism, — the taxi driver assured her. - You surprised me, what can I say! — the woman muttered. - And your brother, why isn’t he with you? — asked the man. - Ah, Misha. He can’t walk anymore, — the passenger answered, immediately becoming sad. - Sorry. I didn’t want to upset you. - No, no, don’t worry, — the old woman asked. - Fine. We arrived. Goodbye. I hope you live for many more years, — Azriel said goodbye. - Goodbye, young man, — the woman said and, getting out of the car, slowly walked towards the hospital. Azriel made a sad face, remembering his last wish, and set off, looking for a new client.