It’s Essential to Be Happy: A Must for Everyone

Its Important to Be Happy

When Emily was four years old, her father walked out on them for another woman. He left right after Christmas, pausing at the doorway just long enough to tell his daughter, Im sorry, before quietly closing the front door behind him.

Her mother took the whole thing in stride, almost as if it were to be expected. In every generation of her family, not a single woman had managed to keep a lasting marriage. But just a few weeks later, in the middle of the night, her mother swallowed a handful of sleeping pills and painkillers shed found in the medicine cabinet, and softly drifted away for good.

In the morning, Emily tried for ages to wake her mum. Then she somehow managed to have a bite of breakfast from what little she found in the fridge, before returning to keep trying to rouse her mum. She got tired, curled up against her, and fell asleep.

January days never last long, and dusk was beginning to settle when the little girl finally awoke. Shed woken from the cold, so she pulled the covers tighter around herself and snuggled closer to her mother. Somehow though, she only felt colder still. Thats when Emily realisedthis unbearable chill was coming from her mothers body itself. Scalding tears spilled down her face.

The front door opened in the hallway. Emily dashed to see who it was. It was Claire, her mums younger sister.

Emmie, youre at home. Wheres your mum? Ive been calling her all day, why hasnt she picked up? I was starting to worry!

Emily grabbed the hem of her aunts coat, tugging her along urgently. She looked up at Claire with wide, tear-soaked eyes, pointing desperately toward the bedroom, trying to shoutbut her voice just wouldnt come out. Her mouth opened wide, her face twisted in anguish, tears and snot poured down, but no sound would come.

Claire had never managed to have children of her own, and her husband had left after five years of trying. She loved her niece dearlytruly as if she were her own child. Naturally, when tragedy struck, Claire sorted out all the paperwork and Emily came to live with her. She devoted her full attention to Emily, but after three years, countless doctor appointments, and sessions with therapists, her nieces voice didnt return.

That winter, a biting frost arrived by Epiphany, blanketing everything in a thick, squeaky snow. Emily and her friends spent all day sledging in Hyde Park, building a family of snowmen, rolling in drifts, and making snow angels.

All right, thats enough. You look like a walking snowman. Even your gloves have turned into icicles. Lets hop to Sainsburys and pick up some milk and pasta on the way home,” Claire called as they packed up.

People bustled in and out of the shop, doors swinging open and shut, while a ginger tomcat perched by the side entrance. He sat there looking wise, with his eyes half-closed as if he didnt need anything, just enjoying the airthough his front paws kept shifting in the cold. Emily crouched next to him and waved for Claire to go in on her own.

Alright, Ill be quick. You stay right there and dont move a muscle.

Emily gently stroked the tabby, who arched his back in delight, purring softly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek into his fur. Suddenly, hot tears streamed down her face, and the cat began licking them awaysneezing and licking again.

For goodness sake, what are you doing? Hes a street cathe must be filthy, Claire scolded, taking Emilys hand and tugging her away towards the car. Emily resisted, struggling to break free, but Claire managed to bundle her into the back seat before sliding behind the wheel herself.

The cat ambled over to the car, gazing up at Emily and meowing plaintively.

I cant do this. Hes mine now, and Im leaving him behind, Emily whispered, smearing tears across the window.

Youre speaking? Say that again, Emmie. Pleasejust once more, Claire pleaded, her voice trembling.

We cant leave him. Hell die if I dont look after him! her niece shouted, right in her aunts face.

Without another word, Claire launched herself from the car, scooped up the ginger cat, and climbed into the back seat with Emily. The frightened tabby clung to her coat, but the moment he spotted Emily, he leapt into her lap and settled there, perfectly still.

If you want this cat, youre welcome to him. You shouldve just told meId have found you a hundred like him, Claire beamed, finally smiling.