Mum, Please Smile Arina never liked it when the neighbours came round and asked her mum to sing. “Go on, Ann, sing us a song – you’ve such a beautiful voice, and you’re such a good dancer too!” her mum would start singing, the neighbours would join in, and sometimes everyone would be dancing together out in the yard. At the time, Arina lived with her parents and her younger brother Anthony (Antoshka) in their own home in a quiet English village. Her mother was cheerful and friendly, and when the neighbours said goodbye, she’d always say, “Come round again, we had such a lovely time,” and they promised they would. But Arina felt uncomfortable when her mother sang and danced – it embarrassed her, though she couldn’t quite say why, even to herself. She was in Year 6 then, and one day she blurted out: “Mum, please don’t sing or dance… I feel embarrassed.” She didn’t even really understand why. Even now, as an adult and a mum herself, she still couldn’t explain it. But Ann had only smiled and said, “Arina, you shouldn’t be embarrassed when I sing. Be happy! I won’t always be young enough to sing and dance like this…” At the time, Arina didn’t understand. She didn’t realise that not all of life would be full of laughter. The next year, when Arina was in Year 7 and her brother in Year 3, their dad left for good. He packed up and walked out with no explanation. Arina didn’t know why, and when she was a bit older she finally asked her mum, “Mum, why did Dad leave?” Ann could only reply, “You’ll understand when you’re older.” Ann just couldn’t bring herself to tell her daughter that she’d found her husband at home with another woman, Vera, who lived nearby. Arina and Anthony were at school when, running home to fetch her purse, Ann unexpectedly walked in on them. Her husband and Vera just looked at her, surprised and grinning, as if to say, “What are you doing here?” That evening, when her husband returned from work, there was a scene – the children were playing outside and heard nothing. “Pack your things, I’ve already put them in a bag, and go. I’ll never forgive you for betraying me,” Ann told him. Ivan tried to talk his way out, but she wouldn’t listen. He left, and Ann, watching from behind the corner of the house, swore she’d never forgive him. She told herself, “We’ll get by, just me and the children.” But she never smiled again. Raising two children alone was harder than she ever imagined. Ann worked two jobs: cleaning floors by day, baking bread at night. She hardly slept, and the smile faded from her face. Though the children still saw their father – after all, he and Vera lived just a few doors down – they always came home for meals, because Vera never welcomed or fed them. Still, sometimes Vera’s son, Anthony’s classmate, would come home with them, and Ann would feed all the children. She never held a grudge against her husband’s stepson. But Arina never saw her mother smile again. Ann was kind and caring, but so withdrawn. Sometimes Arina would come home from school desperate for her mum’s attention, telling her stories about her day: “Mum, you’ll never believe it! Genny brought a kitten to school and it meowed all through lessons!” But Ann would only reply, “Oh, I see…” Nothing seemed to lift her spirits, and at night Arina would hear her crying by the window, lost in thought. Only years later did Arina understand. “Mum must have been exhausted, working two jobs and never sleeping. And she must have been lacking in vitamins too. But she did everything she could for me and Anthony. We were always well dressed, our clothes ironed and clean.” The daughter would recall. Back then, little Arina just longed for one thing: “Mum, please smile. It’s been such a long time since I saw you happy…” Ann loved her children deeply, though sometimes she showed it in quiet ways – she rarely hugged them, but praised them for doing well at school and never causing trouble. She cooked wonderful meals, the house was always neat and tidy. Arina felt her mother’s love most when she braided her hair. Sitting in silence, Ann would gently stroke her daughter’s head, shoulders slumping with sadness. Her teeth fell out early, and she never had them replaced. After finishing school, Arina never considered going to university – she couldn’t leave her mum alone, knowing they had no money for studies. So she took a job at a nearby shop to help at home, especially as Anthony needed new clothes and shoes as he grew. One day, Mikhail came into the shop. He was from another village, nine years older, and quickly fell for Arina. “What’s your name, beautiful? Are you new here? I haven’t seen you before when I stopped by.” “I’m Arina – I haven’t seen you before, either.” “I’m Mikhail – from the next village over, about five miles away.” They started seeing each other; he picked her up after work, brought her home to meet his mum, and they soon talked about marriage. After all, he had a big house and needed help caring for his ailing mother. Arina agreed – it meant good food and a kind man – and so she said yes. After the wedding, Arina moved in with Mikhail. She felt ready for a new start. Anthony had grown up and was off at college, coming home for weekends and holidays. Time passed, and Arina truly found happiness with Mikhail. They raised two boys, one after the other, and she kept busy at home with the boys and the house (Mikhail’s mother passed away after two years). Mikhail worked hard and forbade her from lifting anything heavy – he took care of the heavy work himself, wanting only for her to take care of the animals and children. Every now and then, Mikhail would load up the car with meat, cream, and milk to bring to Arina’s mum, Ann, who still lived alone in their old village home. Ann accepted the gifts with gratitude, but never smiled. Even around her grandchildren, she remained solemn and thoughtful, and Arina’s heart ached for her mum, wishing she could bring her back to life. Once, prompted by Mikhail, Arina asked the vicar at the village church for help. “Pray to God,” he urged, “that your mum will meet someone kind.” And Arina prayed for just that. One day, Ann called needing to borrow money to fix her teeth. Overjoyed, Arina gave her the money gladly, but Ann insisted it was a loan and promised to repay her. Not long after, when Arina wasn’t able to visit for a while, Mikhail came home and said, “It looks like Uncle Nick wants to remarry! I overheard him on the phone – who do you think with?” Sure enough, soon Uncle Nick invited them both round. “I’ve found my first love – we went to school together. She’s moving in tomorrow – come for dinner the next day!” The next day, Arina and Mikhail arrived with gifts – and Arina nearly fainted with shock. Before her stood her mum, Ann, looking radiant, smiling at last. Ann blushed when she saw her daughter, but her smile never faded. “Mum! I’m so happy… but why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want to say anything in case it didn’t work out.” “Uncle Nick, why didn’t you say anything?” “I was afraid Ann would change her mind. But now we’re both happy!” Arina and Mikhail were overjoyed to see Ann’s happiness. From that day on, Ann glowed with contentment – and smiled all the time. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and all your support. Wishing you happiness always.

Mum, Smile

Lucy never felt comfortable when their neighbours popped over to ask her mum to sing a song.

Mary, sing us a tune, youve got a lovely voice, and you dance so well! her mother would oblige, neighbours would join in, and before long everyone was singing and dancing together in the garden.

At that time, Lucy lived with her parents and her little brother, Tommy, in a cottage in a small English village. Her mother was cheerful and welcoming. When the neighbours left, shed always say, Come by again soon, that was a lovely afternoon. The ladies would promise they would.

Lucy, however, found it quite embarrassing. She was in Year Five at school and told her mother one day, Mum, please dont sing and dont dance… I get embarrassed. She didnt really understand herself why it bothered her, but it did.

Now, even as an adult and a mother herself, Lucy cant quite explain it. But her mum would smile and answer, Dont be ashamed of me, Lucy. You should be happy when I sing. I wont be singing and dancing forever, you know. While Im still young

Lucy didnt think much of her mums words back then she didnt realize that life isnt always cheerful.

When Lucy was in Year Six, and Tommy just starting Year Two, their father left. He packed his things and walked out for good. Lucy didnt know what had gone wrong between her parents. She asked her mother as a teenager, Mum, why did dad leave us?

Youll understand when youre older, Mary replied quietly.

The truth was, Mary had come home from work early after forgetting her purse. She found the front door unlocked and, to her surprise, her husband home with another woman Vera who lived in their street. Lucy and Tommy were at school. What Mary saw in their bedroom could never be forgotten. That evening, once her husband returned, Mary calmly handed him a packed bag and said, Go. Ill never forgive such a betrayal.

Their father tried to explain, pleaded for Mary to forgive and forget, Weve got children, Mary, cant we move past this? But Marys last words were, I told you to go. She stepped outside, resisting tears.

She watched him pick up his bag and leave. The wound was so deep she never wanted to see him again.

Well manage. Somehow, well get by, children or not, Mary thought as she wept. There was no forgiveness in her heart.

From then on, Mary was alone with the children. She knew things would be hard but never imagined how hard. She worked two jobs, scrubbing floors by day and working nights in the local bakery. She was always exhausted, and the gentle smile left her face for good.

Even though their father had moved out, Lucy and Tommy still saw him he and Vera lived just four houses down. Vera had a son about Tommys age; they were even in the same class. Mary never stopped her children from seeing their father, and theyd visit him, sometimes playing together in his garden, but always returning home to eat Vera didnt feed them or pay much attention, though her son occasionally came with Lucy and Tommy to their house. Neighbours would sometimes stare, but Mary never minded. She even made lunch for Veras son, always kind, if quiet.

But Lucy never saw her mother smile any more. Mary remained loving and caring, but shed withdrawn, lost in her own sadness.

Often, Lucy would come home from school longing for her mothers attention, and so shed chatter away about school, hoping to make her mum smile.

Mum, you wont believe it Henry brought a kitten into class, and it started meowing in the middle of the lesson. Our teacher couldnt figure out who was making the noise. She even scolded Henry, thinking it was him, until we pointed out the kitten in his bag. She sent them both out and called Henrys mum to fetch him!

Mary would only respond quietly, Oh? I see Lucy could tell nothing brought her mum joy anymore. Some nights, she heard her mother crying. Sometimes, shed find her staring out the window, lost in thought. Only when Lucy was grown did she start to understand her mother was worn out from two jobs, sleepless nights, perhaps not eating enough, but she had always made sure Lucy and Tommy were well-dressed, their clothes always clean and ironed.

Back then, all Lucy could do was plead, Mum, please smile. Its been so long since I saw you smile.

Mary loved her children dearly, though she wasnt one for hugs, she praised them for good marks at school and told them how proud she was that they never caused her trouble. She could cook delicious meals and kept their home perfectly tidy.

Lucy felt her mothers love most on the occasions shed braid her hair. Even then, Mary would gently stroke Lucys head, shoulders hunched with sadness. Mary even lost her teeth early and, too tired and busy, never replaced them.

When Lucy finished secondary school, she didnt even consider applying to university. She didnt want to leave her mother alone, and she knew education cost money. So she took a job at the village shop, helping however she could. Tommy was growing fast and always needed new clothes and shoes.

One day, a man named Peter came in to buy bread. He was new to their village, from another about five miles away. He was nine years older than Lucy but immediately took a liking to her.

Whats your name, lovely? he asked with a cheerful grin. Youre new here, arent you? I havent seen you before and I pop by often.

Im Lucy, and no, I havent seen you either, she replied.

I live in the next village over Peters my name. They soon got to know each other, and before long, Peter was picking Lucy up after work and theyd take walks or spend time together.

Peter lived with his own mother, who was very ill. He had divorced and his ex-wife had taken their daughter to live in town because she didn’t want to care for his mother. Peter had a large farm and a comfortable home. Lucy was amazed the first time she visited. The table was laid out with cream, meat, and sweets, which felt so luxurious in comparison to what she was used to.

After some time, Peter said, Lucy, will you marry me? I care for you so much. But you should know my mother needs looking after, though Ill help as well. Lucy felt excited but kept her happiness hidden. She didnt mind caring for Peters mother. After a pause, she said, Alright then, Peter. I agree. He was thrilled.

Im so happy, Lucy I wasnt sure youd say yes, seeing as youre young and Im a bit older and divorced. I promise to always treat you kindly. Well be happy.

After the wedding, Lucy moved to Peters farm. She was glad to start a new life. Tommy had grown up, left for college in town, and only came home on holidays and weekends.

As time went by, Lucy and Peter were genuinely happy together. They had two sons, one after the other. Lucy stayed home managing the house and children; Peter worked the land but insisted on handling heavy chores himself. Hed tease, Dont fuss with heavy buckets, Lucy; thats my job. You look after the cows, chickens, and ducks, and Ill see to the pigs.

Though Lucys childhood home had never been a farm, shed learned to do everything. Peter was always generous.

Lets take some meat and cream and milk to your mother, hed say. She has to buy everything otherwise, but weve got plenty at home. Mary was grateful, but Lucy noticed her mother never did smile, not even with her grandsons. They visited often, and Lucy longed to bring joy back into her mothers life.

Lucy, perhaps you should speak with the vicar, see what he advises, Peter suggested one day. Lucy did, and the vicar promised to pray for Mary. Ask God for your mother to meet someone kind, he told her, and Lucy did just that.

One day, Mary asked her daughter, Could you lend me some money, love? I havent quite enough. I want to get new teeth fitted. Lucy was delighted, Of course, Mum! Ill pay for everything. But she knew her mother would insist on paying her back, which she promised to do immediately.

Lucy didnt see her mum for a little while, the two spoke on the phone as Peter was busy helping his Uncle Colin, who had just moved to their village after splitting with his wife. Peter was sorting out paperwork to help his uncle settle into his new house.

Peter would visit Uncle Colin, and sometimes Lucy would go along. Then one day Peter came home and said, I think Uncle Colin wants to remarry. I overheard him on the phone and it sounded like he was talking to someone special.

Good for him, Lucy replied, Hes still young. No point being alone with such a lovely house.

Before long, Uncle Colin himself stopped by.

I wanted to invite you round. Ive met someone special my old flame from school. Shell be moving in tomorrow. Come by in a couple of days?

Two days later, Peter and Lucy arrived with a gift. When Lucy entered, she froze in surprise. There was her own mother, smiling proudly, her whole face transformed by joy and a new smile. Mary had blossomed.

Mum! Im so happy for you. Why didnt you say anything?

I didnt want to get your hopes up, just in case, Mary admitted. Better to wait until it was certain.

And you, Uncle Colin? Lucy laughed. Why all the secrecy?

I worried Mary might change her mind but now were very happy, he said.

Lucy and Peter were overjoyed Mary and Colin looked radiant, and Mary, for the first time in years, smiled every day.

Life isnt always easy, but happiness can return, even after sorrow. Sometimes, those who care for others most forget to care for themselves. But in time, kindness, hope, and a little faith can bring back the light and smiles we thought were lost forever.