The unsmiling smile.

Growing up she was told about the 3 smiles. For the public and persons unknown there is the smile from the mouth, the simple upturning of lips, it is easy anyone can all do it with requiring nothing in return. The I see you smile is in the eyes, this is a little deeper a little harder to share. It shares the inner delight and wonder of things offering a personal connection. The last smile is the hardest, this is your hearts smile, this smile shares your soul, it glows and sings, it warms you from the inside out, this smile can be found in a hug or meeting of hearts. She loved this smile, it felt the very best.

Days flowed into years and she grew up, moved away and on a pleasant afternoon while sitting quietly watching the world go past people smiling and not stopping, not touching, not knowing those around them, rushing through a life filled with reasons to smile. And it dawned on her, she was smiling too, just like them, just the upturned lips. And her heart cried! Why had no one warned her? Did they know that this could happen? how did you find your hearts smile again and how did you not know you had lost it? Did anyone else know that under all the smiles there were none? Was she the only one?

{a short story}