Happy People Always Wear a Smile

Emily stared out of the kitchen window as a gentle summer rain pattered against the panes. The sun had just peeked through, but the drizzle lingered, soft and steady. She had just come home from her shift and was thinking about making dinner when she heard the front door open.

She watched Lucy, her teenage daughter, slip her coat off and glance at the weather. When my little girl finally grows up and starts dating, Emily thought, shes with that Derek now. Hes older, seems a bit shady, never looks you straight in the eye. How do I tell Lucy? Shes truly fallen for him for the first time; if I ruin this, Ill be the enemy. Ive tried to hint that Derek isnt right for her, but she brushes it off. If only Id known how to say it properly.

Emily had raised Lucy on her own; shed never married. That had been her fate. While studying at university, shed dated a fellow student named Mike. He never finished his degree; the university expelled him in his final year. Emily was relieved at first, thinking she might be pregnant and needed to tell him.

What do you expect me to say? Mike snapped when she tried. How would I know its my child? I dont want any kids. With that, he walked out of the flat and disappeared. Emily was left shocked, unable to explain that she had no one else. Mike never gave her a second glance, flitting from one girl to another until the college finally sent him packing.

One afternoon, Margaret, Emilys own mother, found Lucy weeping alone in her bedroom.

Sweetheart, whats happened? Margaret asked.

Mike left me and Im pregnant, Lucy sobbed.

What? Ive warned you a hundred times to think before you act. Youre in your third year; you need to finish university, not raise a child. A baby will ruin your future, and I wont be there to help you. Go to the hospital, talk to a doctor. Youre an adult now; you must answer for yourself.

Margarets cold, indifferent stare cut deeper than any words. Emily realised she could count on no help from her own mother.

The next day Emily went to the local NHS clinic. The waiting room was nearly empty; a young woman sat with a toddler on her lap. When the door opened for the next patient, the woman rose, clutching her belly.

Lucy, wait here a moment, Ill be right back, she said, hurrying inside.

The little girl sat beside Emily. Children get bored in hospitals, so the girl began looking at the colourful posters on the walls, then turned her attention to Emily. She had freckles on her nose and was fidgeting with her shoes. Their eyes met and the child smiled.

Miss, why do you look so sad? Are you ill? she asked.

No, Im just, Emily began, but stopped herself.

Do you have any brothers or sisters? the girl continued.

No

Too bad. My mum says kids are happiness. Im her happiness, even when I get scolded for misbehaving. She always tells me to keep smiling and never cry. Yesterday Mishka tugged my braid and I cried, but Mum said I should smile. So I smiled, and Mishka gave me a sweet. Now were friends again, the girl chirped.

Emily felt a warm crack in her heart. The childs innocence was contagious.

What am I doing here? Emily whispered to herself. Mike may have left, Margaret may be against me, but I will not give up.

A nurse emerged, shaking hands with the girls mother. They smiled at each other, sharing a quiet moment of joy. The warmth was so strong that Emily rose quickly and left the clinic. She walked on instinct to her grandmother Kates househer late husbands mother. Though Margaret had cut ties with Kate after the divorce, Emily still visited her; Kate adored her granddaughter.

Come in, love. Even if your mother objects, you can stay here. Ill help you, and youll manage, Kate said, patting Lucys head. Dont carry this burden alone; youll thank me later.

Emilys thoughts cleared. Grandma was right. Lucy is my joy, my everything. I cant imagine life without her.

A key turned in the lock and Lucy stepped inside, wiping tears from her cheeks.

Whats wrong, dear? Sit down and tell me, Margaret urged, pulling her onto a kitchen chair.

Derek? Lucy asked, voice breaking.

Yes, Margaret replied, and Lucys sobs grew louder.

Emily handed Lucy a glass of water. The mother stroked Lucys shoulder and held her tightly, both of them feeling the sting of tears.

Lucy finally confessed, Hes married. His wife lives in another city.

Emily had seen Dereks evasive side when they met; he never answered her questions directly. Her intuition proved right.

Mom, hes married, Lucy managed between breaths.

Did you ever suspect? asked Margaret.

No, Mum Turns out his wife lives far away and works there. Hes on a longterm assignment here, renting a flat. Id been staying over at his place, never seeing another woman.

How did you find out? He never told you, Margaret pressed.

His wife showed up one day. She didnt know about us, but she guessed something was off. While Derek was in the bathroom, she took his phone, read our messages, found my number, and called me.

Emily felt a strange relief rather than tragedy; it confirmed her doubts about Derek. She trusted that Lucy would find true love someday.

So what happened next? Margaret asked.

The wife called, asked to meet. We met at a café. She didnt cause a scene; she simply asked Derek to leave us alone because she has two children. It was like a bolt from the blue, Lucy recounted, wiping her face.

Dont blame yourself, love. Hes a deceitful man, and thank God you discovered his truth. If youd known he was married, you wouldnt have gone any further, Margaret said gently.

Exactly, Mum. I told his wife Id cut off contact, and I blocked him, Lucy replied firmly.

Good girl. Margaret smiled.

Lucys eyes welled again, but she gathered strength. Mum, theres something else Im pregnant.

How far along? Margaret asked, keeping her voice steady.

About two months, Lucy whispered, looking down.

The words hit Margaret hard, a familiar ache in her chest. She realized that, once again, her daughter needed unwavering support.

Itll be alright, love. Well get through this together. Ill help you raise the baby, whether its a boy or a girl. Youre not alone.

Youre the best, Mum, Lucy said, relief softening her tone.

Nothing will break us, Margaret promised.

Months later Emily stood in the living room, watching Lucy cradling a newborn swaddled in a soft beige blanket with a blue ribbon. The house was decorated with balloons and flowers; Kate had prepared everything for her first grandchild. A tiny cot, a stroller, and rattling toys filled the space. Emily and Lucy smiled at each other, their hearts full.

In the end, they learned that even when storms gather, those who cherish each other will always find reasons to smile. The happiness they created together proved that the truly happy always wear a smile.