The parable of good and bad deeds

Mickey doesn't want to open his own shop

Grandpa, having met Mickey, fed him rich borscht, gave him tea with a delicious dessert and listened attentively to what had happened.

— Ah, that's not good, — Grandpa said, — those snakes are promoting their affairs again. But don't worry, everything will be fine. We can't help Oscar right now, he'll figure it out on his own. We'll meet up later, have some tea together and talk about it. In the meantime, let's look at the prices from the factory on Sun Street.

— We can do that, but I don't want to open my own shop, — Mickey said, — I'm happy with my house and garden. I've saved up a lot of bricks from my work and deeds, and I sometimes give them to those in need to rebuild their homes after the rain. But that's not enough for Oscar. He has a huge house with so many holes, you can't count them all!

— That's your choice, Mickey, and I like it, — Grandpa said, putting the list aside, — selling bricks is also a very responsible job. There was a time when I sold things and had my own shop. Business was good. But time passes, and I moved away from it. I have enough now. Let's put these papers aside until we meet Oscar next time, — he said mysteriously.

— Yes, Grandpa, I have enough of them, and my little house of life doesn't crumble from the rain, — continued Mickey, — friends often come and ask me where I get such strong bricks and for what deeds and actions, they give them to me. And where? Just like everyone else — at the fair of life. Many are surprised that I always have extras — since they pay so few bricks for the deeds and actions that I advise them to do. And I don't know what to tell them, I just always have them and the rain doesn't wash them away and the hurricane doesn't carry them off. I tell them about the deeds I do, and then they come back and thank me for the advice. They say that now they also always have dry and warm houses, and there are still extra bricks left.

— Does Oscar listen to you? — asked Grandpa.

— He listens, but he doesn't do, he says yes — yes, but when he gets to the fair of deeds and actions, his mind is apparently clouded by temptation and greed. He forgets about my words and takes the deeds that give him more bricks…

— You're a good boy, Mickey, but everything will be alright with Oscar. We'll meet again and sit by the warm fireplace and chat, — Grandpa reassured him.

Mickey was happy to stay with his grandpa1 for a little longer and in a couple of days, he flew back home — he missed his deeds and actions — he was eager to fly to the fair and work hard.