(261 words) V.G. Korolenko wrote an autobiographical work about the hard life of poor people, who often remain without a roof over their heads. No one will lend a helping hand to them unless good and merciful friends meet on their way. Such a friend for Marusya and Valek, the children of Tyburtia, was the boy Vasya.
Vasya is nine years old. He lost his mother early, and his father worked a lot and devoted all his free time to raising his daughter Sonya. It is not surprising that the boy constantly felt his loneliness in a hostile world. But then there was a chance acquaintance with a family that is forced to live in an abandoned chapel, underground. While Tyburtius works, Valek sits with Marusya or obtains food. He even has to steal. Vasya probably never thought that people could live like that. Now every day his perception of the world is changing more and more. Vasya begins to look at his father in a new way: it is not in vain that Tyburtius and his children consider the judge a good man! The boy, naturally kind and sensitive, learns patience. He sits with Marusya, who cannot run and play, tells her different stories, gives flowers. The hero is trying to do everything in his power to make life easier for the sick girl and her brother who has grown up early. The story with the doll can be considered indicative, thanks to which Vasya was able to speak frankly with his father and better understand him.
Meeting with the "dungeon children" changes the life of the hero. He begins to notice the difference between the position of "higher" and "bad" society. Bob passes ears offending others who call him a tramp, sharing true and false values. Vasya grows up, but does not forget about Marus: he takes care of her grave. This confirms its positive qualities. He keeps a memory of true friendship, which does not know the class differences.
