Oliver, a young boy with tousled hair and a perpetual frown, sat on his bed, hugging his knees. The room felt like a cocoon, isolating him from a world that seemed too bright for his heavy heart. "Why does everything feel so... gray?"

Mrs. Thompson, the kind neighbor known for her warm smile and love of gardening, stepped into the room. Her presence was like a ray of sunshine breaking through clouds. "Oliver, would you like to help me in the garden today?" she asked gently. "I don't know... maybe," he replied hesitantly, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

Oliver wandered through the garden, his fingers brushing against the petals of sunflowers and roses. Each step felt lighter than the last as he absorbed the beauty around him. "Nature has a way of healing," Mrs. Thompson remarked, handing him a small watering can. "It's like magic," he whispered, a small smile beginning to form.

"I didn't know flowers could make me feel so happy," Oliver admitted, his voice filled with wonder. "Happiness is often found in the simplest things," Mrs. Thompson replied, her eyes twinkling with wisdom. The warmth of companionship wrapped around Oliver like a comforting blanket.

Oliver gazed up at the stars, feeling a newfound sense of peace. "I think happiness was here all along," he mused, realizing that it was not the absence of sadness but the presence of hope and connection that made him feel whole.

"Remember, Oliver, the garden is always open for you," Mrs. Thompson said, her smile as bright as the moon above. Oliver nodded, a sense of belonging filling him. As he walked back to his room, he felt lighter, knowing that happiness was not a destination but a journey he was ready to embrace.