Milo blinked at his reflection in the small, round mirror on his nightstand, noticing something odd. His cheeks felt heavy and his lips refused to curve upwards.
"Oh no! My smile is gone. Where could it be?"
Daisy the Dog[/@ch_2] waits by the gate, her tail wagging gently, eyes full of concern.]
Milo hurried outside and found Daisy the Dog, who immediately noticed the absence of his usual grin.
"Think of something you love, Milo! Maybe your smile will come back," she encouraged with a hopeful bark.
Milo closed his eyes, picturing his favorite sunny days and delicious treats, but nothing changed.
Benny the Bird[/@ch_3] flutters down from a branch, eager to join a game, his feathers glinting in the light.]
"I'll help you find it!" chirped Benny the Bird, as they played tag and chased shadows across the grass.
Despite their laughter and Benny’s silly dance, Milo's smile remained hidden, leaving him feeling even more puzzled.
Lily the Frog[/@ch_4] rests on one, her eyes wise and kind.]
Milo knelt by the water and peered at his reflection, sighing softly.
Lily the Frog looked up with a gentle croak.
"It’s okay to feel sad, Milo. Smiles always come back," she reassured him, her words as calm as the ripples on the pond.
Lily the Frog invited Milo to close his eyes and take a deep breath. They listened together as the birds sang in the trees and the world seemed to slow down.
"Feelings come and go," she reminded him. Milo felt his heart grow lighter, a small seed of peace blooming inside.
Milo joined Daisy, Benny, and Lily around a huge sheet of paper. Splashes of color soon covered every corner as they painted rainbows, suns, and happy memories.
Laughter bubbled up, and Milo felt a warmth spreading in his chest, his giggles joining those of his friends.
All at once, Milo realized his smile was back, shining brighter than ever. He beamed at his friends, gratitude sparkling in his eyes.
"Thank you, friends," he said, his voice full of joy.
Milo looked at everyone, his heart full of new understanding.
"Smiles grow when we take care of our feelings together! They're like the weather—sometimes they hide, but they always come back with a little kindness and fun," he shared, and the group nodded, feeling closer than ever.
