The Happiness Thief (TEGSA)

→07. A lifetime lesson←

Maxwell stands frozen, his eyes fixed on the ground, as if staring into an abyss. For the first time, he sees himself through everyone else's eyes - his parents, Carl, Rosie, even Happiness. He sees the pain, the disappointment, and the frustration he's caused. It's like he's reliving all the moments he's been selfish, all the times he's manipulated people to get what he wants.

His mind is a mess, filled with memories of all the crap he's done. He remembers how he stole Rosie's chocolates, how he always had to be the center of attention, how he never listened to Carl. It's like he's drowning in his own guilt, unable to escape the weight of his mistakes.

"Does this mean that my parents hate me Happiness?" Maxwell asks,tears threatening fall from his eyes.

"Aw no no Maxwell,"Happiness bends to his level and cups his cheek,"no matter what happens, your parents can never hate you. It's a universal truth - no matter how low a child falls, no matter what mistakes they make, a part of their parents will always love them. It's just the way it is."

Maxwell looks up, tears streaming down his face. "But what about all the things I've done? I've been so selfish, so cruel..."

Happiness's smiles."I know, Maxwell. And yes, your parents are disappointed. They're hurt by your actions. But that doesn't mean they hate you. They love you, Maxwell. They love you more than anything, and that love can't be changed by anything you do."

Maxwell rubs his eyes,and looks at Happiness while having hiccups,"B-but Happiness I do not understand how do I live? If I put my happiness away and only think about others then how will I achieve it? How will I be happy?"

Happiness smiles softly, her eyes filled with understanding. "Maxwell, you're thinking about happiness in the wrong way. True happiness doesn't come from putting your own desires above others, but from finding joy in the happiness of those around you. When you focus on making others happy, you'll find that your own happiness follows naturally."

Happiness pauses to recollect her thoughts,she snaps her fingers and enthusiastically faces Max,"Do you remember that one time when you were shopping with your mother? You had an ice cream in your hand,and then you saw a poor girl who was selling balloons.What did you do after seeing that? You ran and gave her the ice cream! How did you feel after doing that Maxwell?"

Maxwell's eyes widen as the memory floods back. "Oh, yeah! I remember that day. I was so excited to get that ice cream, but when I saw that girl selling balloons, I just felt...I don't know, it was like my heart went out to her or something. I wanted to make her happy, so I gave her the ice cream."

He pauses, a small smile on his face. "And yeah, I remember feeling really good about it afterwards. It was like I had done something special, something that made a difference in her life."

Happiness's eyes sparkle with excitement, and she leans in, her voice filled with emphasis. "Exactly, Maxwell! You felt good because you did something selfless, something that brought joy to someone else. That's what true happiness is all about - spreading joy, making a positive impact on those around you. But! At the same time it's not about sacrificing your own happiness completely, but about finding a balance. You can still pursue your own goals and dreams, but do it in a way that doesn't harm others. Remember, true happiness comes from within, and it's fueled by the positive relationships you build with others."

With a resolute look on his face, Maxwell takes a deep breath. "Happiness, I promise you that I'll do better from now on. I'll spread happiness and joy wherever I go, and I'll make sure to correct those who are walking on the same path as me. I won't let anyone else suffer because of my selfishness."

Happiness's face lights up with a radiant smile, and she opens her arms, embracing Maxwell in a warm hug. "I'm so proud of you, Maxwell! You've taken the first step towards a brighter, happier you. Remember, it's never too late to make a change, and I'll be with you every step of the way."

As they hug, the atmosphere around them begins to shift, filling with an air of hope and renewal. The darkness that had once surrounded Maxwell starts to dissipate, replaced by a soft, golden light that symbolizes his newfound commitment to spreading happiness.

"Now now Maxwell,let's get you home! I bet Mewto will not like to attend your mathematics classes!" Happiness joked while Maxwell bursted into fits of laughter.

[A/N- The seventh musical prompt is used in the form of a dialogue which is said by Maxwell when he asks Happiness how he should live by simply giving happiness to others and not enjoying it,himself. I hope you really liked this chapter. Stay tuned!]