Four-Year-Old Alyonka Couldn’t Stop Staring at the Stranger Who Moved Into Their Courtyard

Little Alyonka, a bright and curious four-year-old, was standing in the courtyard of her apartment building when she noticed a new face. Sitting on the bench was an elderly man, his gray hair catching the sunlight. In his hands, he held a cane, which reminded Alyonka of a wizard’s staff.

“Grandpa, are you a wizard?” she asked him directly, her big eyes full of wonder.

The man chuckled and replied, “No, I’m not a wizard.”

Alyonka looked disappointed. “Then why do you need a staff?” she pressed on.

“It helps me walk,” the man explained. “I hurt my leg not long ago, so I use this cane to get around. My name is Yegor Ivanovich.”

Alyonka nodded thoughtfully. “So you’re very old?”

“By your standards, yes,” Yegor Ivanovich replied with a smile. “But by mine, not so much.”

Their conversation was interrupted when Alyonka’s grandmother, Vera Sergeyevna, came to fetch her for their daily walk in the park. Vera greeted the new neighbor politely, and Yegor Ivanovich smiled in return. But it was Alyonka who formed a quick bond with the elderly man. Every day, while waiting for her grandmother, she would run out to the courtyard to chat with Yegor Ivanovich, sharing all the news about her family, the weather, and even what her grandmother had made for lunch.

Yegor Ivanovich always treated Alyonka to a chocolate candy, but he noticed something curious. Each time, the little girl would take exactly half a bite, carefully wrap the rest, and tuck it into her pocket.

“Why don’t you eat the whole candy? Don’t you like it?” he asked one day.

“It’s very tasty,” Alyonka replied. “But I need to save some for Grandma.”

Touched by her thoughtfulness, Yegor Ivanovich began giving her two candies. Yet, even then, she would eat only half of one and save the rest.

“And now who are you saving it for?” he asked, astonished by her selflessness.

“Now I can give some to Mom and Dad,” Alyonka explained. “They can buy candy themselves, but they’re so happy when someone treats them.”

Yegor Ivanovich smiled warmly. “You must have a very close-knit family. You’re a lucky girl, and you have a kind heart.”

Friendship Blossoms

Over time, Yegor Ivanovich and Vera Sergeyevna also became friends. While Alyonka played with her friends in the courtyard, Vera would sit on the bench with Yegor. They talked about life, family, and their shared love for the little girl who had brought them together.

One day, Vera mentioned that she and Alyonka shouldn’t eat too many sweets. “But thank you for your kindness,” she added. “Perhaps we could switch to nuts instead?”

From then on, Yegor began giving Alyonka walnuts and hazelnuts, which she happily carried home in her pockets. Her grandmother affectionately called her “my little squirrel.”

As Yegor’s leg healed, he began taking walks in the park, and soon Vera and Alyonka joined him. The trio became inseparable, strolling together every day. Alyonka turned their walks into a game, marching ahead and calling out commands: “One-two, three-four! Step firmer, eyes ahead!”

After their walks, Vera and Yegor would sit on the bench while Alyonka played nearby. Yegor shared stories about his life—how he had been a widower for five years and had recently moved into a smaller apartment after dividing his larger one between himself and his son’s family.

“I like it here,” he said. “It’s quiet, and having good neighbors makes it even better.”

A Growing Bond

One day, Vera and Alyonka surprised Yegor Ivanovich with a plate of homemade pies. “We want to treat you this time,” Vera said with a smile.

“Do you have a kettle?” Alyonka asked.

“Of course—come in!” Yegor replied, flinging the door open.

Over tea, they chatted warmly. Alyonka explored Yegor’s library and admired his collection of paintings, while Vera watched her granddaughter’s joy and Yegor’s patient explanations.

“My grandchildren live far away, and they’re already students,” Yegor said wistfully. “I miss having little ones around.” Then, turning to Vera, he added, “And you, Vera Sergeyevna, are still young.”

“I’ve only been retired for two years,” Vera replied. “And with Alyonka and another grandchild on the way, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. We’re lucky to live close to each other. You could say we’re all together.”

That summer, the trio spent nearly every day together. By winter, Vera kept her promise and bought Alyonka a pair of skis. Yegor, true to his word, began teaching her to ski in the park, where the snow-covered trails were perfect for practice. Their bond grew stronger, and they became like a little family.

An Unexpected Absence

One day, Yegor Ivanovich announced that he was going to visit relatives in the capital. Both Vera and Alyonka felt his absence keenly. The courtyard felt emptier without him, and Alyonka often asked, “When will Grandpa come back?”

“He’ll be gone for a month,” Vera explained. “But we’re keeping an eye on his apartment while he’s away.”

Only a week later, Vera was stepping out of her building when she saw Yegor sitting on his usual bench.

“Yegor Ivanovich! You’re back already?” she exclaimed. “We weren’t expecting you so soon.”

“The big-city noise got to me,” Yegor admitted. “My relatives were busy with work, and I didn’t want to wait around alone. I missed this place—and both of you. It feels like home here.”

Alyonka ran up and hugged him tightly. “Grandpa, did you bring us anything from Moscow?”

Yegor laughed. “Of course I did. But first, let’s have tea. I’ll tell you all about my trip.”

Home Again

Back at Vera’s apartment, they enjoyed blini with various fillings. Yegor presented his souvenirs: a bright wooden matryoshka for Alyonka and a silver brooch for Vera. Afterward, they went for a walk in the park. The snow was melting, and the air was warm with the promise of spring. Alyonka hopped along the drying paths, calling out her usual commands: “One-two, three-four! Step firmer, eyes ahead!”

As they walked, Yegor turned to Vera and said, “I’ve grown so attached to both of you. You’ve become like family to me.”

Vera smiled. “We feel the same way. Our little ‘family’ wouldn’t be complete without you.”

Alyonka chimed in, “Grandpa, you have to come to Grandma’s Women’s Day party. She’ll make lots of yummy food, and we’ll all celebrate together.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Yegor replied, his heart full.

As they climbed the stairs back home, Yegor looked at Vera and Alyonka and thought about how much his life had changed since moving to the neighborhood. What had started as a chance encounter with a curious little girl had blossomed into a deep and meaningful friendship. For the first time in years, he felt truly at home.

And as Alyonka skipped ahead, calling for them to catch up, Yegor and Vera shared a knowing smile. Together, they had created something rare and beautiful—a family bound not by blood, but by love and kindness.