𝑬𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒚 (𝑩𝒙𝑩)

⁠♡ Faces inched closer

HARMONY HILLS

"Students," Mrs. Kincaid began with a warm smile, "I'd like to share a little history about this beautiful place we're standing in - Harmony Hills. You see, this place got its name from the diverse communities of people who live in the nearby village. They live in perfect harmony, peace, and happiness despite their modest lifestyles."

She gestured towards the village, visible from where our tents were set up,

"Aw, look at those quaint little houses," Sarah remarked from behind, pointing towards them.

"They look so tiny from here" I stated.

Dior looked around and asked, "Do lions live there?" which prompted laughter from the other students.

"I highly doubt our school authorities would choose a picnic spot where lions roam freely," Mrs. Kincaid responded with a wry smile.

Dior, with a smug expression, retorted, "I don't know about that, but I do know you guys can't wait to get rid of us. You'll do anything."

Mrs. Kincaid, slightly baffled, sighed and shook her head, unsure of how to handle his antics. The other students chuckled, and Dior gave a playful wink.

"Alright, students," the teacher called out, drawing our attention.

"Tell me, what does happiness mean to you?" She inquired, looking at all the students expectantly.

"Mother," one of the guys, who shared a tent with Rhead, replied with a warm smile.

"Aww, that's so sweet, Blake," Mrs. Kincaid acknowledged his response.

"Anyone else?" She encouraged, scanning the faces of all the students.

"Attending a Taylor Swift concert," one girl chimed in.

"Seeing a One Direction reunion," another guy shouted.

"Happiness is like chasing a squirrel." Rhead chimed in, rolling their eyes. "You're never really gonna catch it," he added with a shrug, "The moment you think you've got it, it slips right through your fingers, just like that sneaky squirrel."

A few others nodded in agreement, murmuring their own versions of the sentiment. Mrs. Kincaid smiled, intrigued by the metaphor.

"But what if," I countered, "happiness isn't about catching the squirrel at all? What if it's about enjoying the chase? The thrill of the pursuit, the fresh air, the laughter... maybe that's where happiness really lies."

Mrs. Kincaid chuckled at the comment. "Well, sometimes it might feel that way, but let's think about the joy we get from making someone else happy," she encouraged, her tone gentle yet persuasive.

Some students exchanged skeptical glances, while others seemed intrigued by the idea.

"It's like when you lend someone your favorite pen, and they return it without chewing on the cap," Dior joked, earning a few chuckles from his classmates.