**Rephrased Story:**
What are you staring at, old man? sneered the privileged young man, kicking over the bucket of berries. But when he realized WHO this just some old guy by the highway really washis life split into BEFORE and AFTER.
The sun was dipping toward the horizon, staining the sky crimson and gold, as a sleek black SUV sped along the wide freeway slicing through the citys heart. Its engine roared like a beast unleashed, tires barely grazing the asphalt, leaving only a thin trail of dust. Behind the wheel sat Igoryoung, ambitious, dressed in an expensive suit, a business briefcase on the passenger seat. Every movement radiated determination, every thought focused on one goal: a crucial meeting with a powerful businessman that could change his career forever.
Negotiations had dragged on for monthsendless calls, emails, attempts to reach a dealbut finally, the moment of truth had come. Igor’s heart poundednot from fear, but excitement, the thrill of standing on the edge of something monumental. He couldnt afford to be late. No way. He could already picture the contract signing, the toast to success, his name gaining respect in business circles.
Then, in the middle of his tension, a call came. His phone lit up**Mom**. He clenched his teeth. If he didnt answer, shed keep calling. Reluctantly, he tapped the screen.
Mom, Im driving, he snapped, fighting irritation.
Igor, listen her familiar, nagging voice chirped. Lida and I went to the spa, and the esthetician said her skin looks twenty years younger! Meanwhile, I
Mom, I dont have time! he cut in, pressing the gas harder. Im on the highway, heading to an important meeting!
Oh, the highway? She perked up. Then buy me some farm eggs, okay? The old ladies sell them roadsidefresh, natural! Ill make dumplings!
Igor rolled his eyes. Eggs? Now? His mind was full of figures, strategies, million-dollar dealsno room for eggs, homemade cream, or dumplings. Just to end it, he muttered,
Fine, Mom. Just stop calling.
He hung up, irritation boiling inside. *How can she be so oblivious? Im on the brink of greatness, and she wants eggs!*
Minutes later, he spotted an elderly couple by the roadside, sitting beside a woven basket. Slowing down, he searched for eggsbut instead saw plump black currants, shimmering like jewels. The old man, in a worn cap and tired eyes, looked up.
Son, look what Ive got! he called, smiling. Fresh berries, packed with vitamins! Make jamyoull remember this winter with warmth!
Igor scowled. *What do I need currants for?* He didnt make jam. He didnt even know what to do with them. But remembering his promise, he stepped closer. Maybe there were eggs.
Old man, got any eggs? he asked, forcing politeness.
No, son. But the currantstop quality! Try one, on me!
Igor shook his head. The man persisted:
Youre missing out. These berries are like medicinegood for the heart, blood, soul. I eat a handful dailykeeps me alive.
Annoyance flared. *What do I care about his heart?* Hed wasted precious time, and this old man kept rambling as if this were the worlds most important conversation.
Old man, Im in a hurry! he barked.
In a flash of rage, he kicked the bucket. Berries scattered like black spray. The old man gasped, stumbledthen collapsed, his head hitting the buckets edge with a thud.
Grandpa! the nearby women shrieked, rushing over.
Igor froze. The man lay motionless, pale. A chill ran down his spine.
Whats wrong with him? he asked hoarsely.
*You* did this! a woman shouted, jabbing a finger at him. Hes sickhis heart! And you knocked him out! He lives off these berries! Wholl buy them now?
The ground seemed to shift under Igors feet. He hadnt meant this. But nowhe might have seriously hurt someone. He couldnt just leave.
Wheres the nearest hospital? he demanded, pulling out his phone.
Twenty kilometers, right off the highwayhurry!
Without hesitation, he lifted the frail man into his car and roared off. Eggs? Dumplings? The meeting? Gone. Only one thing mattered nowsaving a life.
At the hospital, chaos erupted. The doctors recognized the man instantly.
Grandpa Vasily! He has arrhythmiaget him to ICU!
Igor stood stunned. He didnt know the mans name, but now his fate rested in his hands. He confessed everything, hiding nothing.
Soon, the mans wife arrived, trembling, eyes wet.
You did this? she whispered.
I didnt mean to
Just keep him alive.
The diagnosis: a heart attack from shock, stress, the fall. But there was hopewith expensive, rare medication. Igor pulled out his card.
Ill pay for everything.
An hour later, after arranging the meds, he stepped outside. The sky was dark. His phone showed **12 missed calls**all from his mother. He called back.
Igor! Youre alive! she sobbed. The caféit burned down! Everyone insidedead! I thought you were there!
His blood turned to ice. *The meeting.* Hed been latekicking a bucket, driving an old man to the hospital. Hed lost his chance but that chance had *saved* him.
The next morning, the news listed the deadincluding his would-be business partner. If not for the old man, the currants, his anger Igor would be dead.
The next day, he visited the hospital. The old man was weak but awake.
Forgive me, Igor said, head bowed.
Its alright, son. Lifes tough. Leaky roof, sick wife, neighbors dont help. I sell berries to survive but maybe fate had other plans.
Something inside Igor broke. He, successful, wealthy, saw another side of lifeone where people fought for every ruble, where an old man sold berries to keep his wife alive.
He didnt just apologize. He acted.
Ill pay for your wifes treatment. Hire a nurse. Fix your roofproperly.
The old man stared. Why?
Because you saved *my* life. I nearly ended yours. Now I owe you.
From that day, Igor changed. He grew kinder, more human. He learned success wasnt in moneybut in choices. That the most important meetings were the unplanned ones.
Sometimes, fate knocks as an old man with a bucket of berries. Kick it, and you may miss your second chance.
