Margaret sat at her kitchen table.
Her hands rested quietly, folded together.
She wore a yellow blouse and a soft green cardigan.
Her gray hair caught the gentle afternoon light.
“Feeling happy is the most important thing,” she said.
She looked straight ahead, smiling softly.
“Life is so short,” Margaret continued.
“We deserve joy, every single day,” she added.
Her daughter, Susan, sat across from her.
“What makes you happy right now, Mom?” Susan asked.
Margaret thought for a moment.
“Simple things,” she answered quietly.
“Like this afternoon light?” Susan asked.
“Yes, exactly like this,” Margaret smiled.
She glanced toward the window.
Sunlight spilled across the wooden table.
“Do you remember our garden?” Margaret asked.
“The roses you planted years ago?” Susan replied.
“Those roses still bloom every June,” Margaret said.
“They remind me of your father,” she whispered.
Susan reached across and touched her mother’s hand.
“He loved watching you garden,” Susan said softly.
Margaret’s eyes grew misty, but warm.
“Happiness isn’t about big things,” she said.
“It’s about noticing small ones,” she continued.
“Like this cup of tea?” Susan asked, smiling.
“Exactly like this tea,” Margaret laughed gently.
She took a slow sip.
Steam rose quietly between them.
“What else brings you joy?” Susan asked.
“Your visits,” Margaret said simply.
“Every single one,” she added.
Susan squeezed her mother’s hand tighter.
“I try to come every week,” Susan said.
“I know, and I treasure it,” Margaret replied.
Outside, birds chirped near the window.
Margaret turned toward the sound.
“Do you hear them?” she asked.
“The sparrows?” Susan smiled.
“They sing every morning,” Margaret said.
“Rain or shine,” she added.
“Like you, Mom,” Susan teased gently.
Margaret chuckled, shaking her head.
“I try my best,” she said.
The afternoon light shifted slightly.
Margaret looked at Susan with warmth.
“Promise me something,” she said.
“What is it?” Susan asked.
“Find joy in small moments,” Margaret whispered.
“I promise,” Susan said softly.
Margaret smiled, satisfied, peaceful.
Happiness lived quietly in that kitchen.