By Frank Lucasale 
The Forgotten Smile
Introduction: The Weight of Sadness
In the bustling city of Riverside, there lived a young woman named Emily. Once full of laughter and joy, Emily had slowly become consumed by the pressures of life. The demands of her job, combined with personal struggles, had dimmed her spirit. She walked through life with a heavy heart and a forgotten smile.
The Turning Point
One rainy afternoon, as Emily trudged home from work, she encountered an elderly man sitting on a bench, selling handmade trinkets. His face was weathered, but his eyes sparkled with warmth and kindness. Despite the pouring rain, he greeted everyone who passed by with a genuine smile.
Curious, Emily stopped to look at his wares. The man noticed her somber expression and said, “You know, my dear, a smile is the best accessory you can wear. It can change your day.” His words resonated deeply with her, but she merely nodded and walked away, feeling more lost than ever.
A Chance Encounter
Days turned into weeks, and the encounter with the old man lingered in her mind. One evening, while walking home, Emily decided to pass by the bench again. To her surprise, the man was still there, his smile unwavering. This time, she stopped to chat.
As they spoke, Emily learned about his life, the joys he found in simple things, and how he chose to spread happiness despite his circumstances. Their conversation was a breath of fresh air, and for the first time in a long while, Emily felt a flicker of joy within her.
Rediscovering Joy
Encouraged by their conversations, Emily began to look for moments of joy in her own life. She started small, like savoring her morning coffee, taking walks in the park, and appreciating the beauty around her. Slowly, her smile began to return.
One day, she decided to join the elderly man in selling trinkets at the park. Together, they shared smiles with passersby, brightening the days of many strangers. Emily found herself laughing and enjoying life again, realizing that happiness was not just a destination but a journey.
The Transformation
As time went on, Emily’s spirit transformed. Her friends and family noticed the change in her demeanor and asked what had sparked this newfound joy. With a smile, she shared her experience with the elderly man and how he had helped her rediscover the joy she thought she had lost forever.
Emily started organizing community events, encouraging others to share their stories and smiles. Her passion for spreading happiness grew, and she realized that the more joy she shared, the more her own heart blossomed.
Conclusion: A Lasting Impact
One day, as Emily returned to the park, she found the bench empty. The elderly man had not come that day. Though she felt a pang of sadness, she knew that he had left a lasting impact on her life. She had not only rediscovered her smile but also learned the importance of spreading joy to others.
Moral:
The story of The Forgotten Smile teaches us that life’s pressures can sometimes overshadow our happiness, but it only takes a moment, a connection, or a smile to bring joy back into our lives. By sharing our smiles with others, we can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.