The Smile

In the heart of Patagonia, where the steppes transition into endless plains and the wind carries the scent of freshness and freedom, lived a Guanaco named Lunar. He was young and energetic, always ready to help his friends, but sometimes he lacked confidence in his own abilities. Lunar was kind, but he often doubted how his help was perceived by others.

One day, while walking through a sunny meadow, Lunar noticed how his friends — the large and strong llamas, as well as a few Patagonian rabbits — had gathered near a stream. They all looked content, and each one was doing something useful for the common good. Lunar stopped and watched them, and suddenly he saw how his friend, an old llama named Rico, was helping the rabbits carry water to the bushes they were planting around the stream. Meanwhile, other animals were also doing something: some were gathering grass, others were making sure everything was in order.

As Lunar approached, he noticed that there were smiles on the faces of his friends. When Rico finished helping the rabbits, he looked around at everyone and, seeing Lunar, smiled and said:

— Hello, Lunar! You’re just in time! We were about to take the next step. Will you help us?

Lunar nervously shook his head. He wasn’t sure that his help would be useful, but he immediately noticed how Rico’s smile filled his heart with warmth. Lunar thought for a moment and said:

— Of course, I’ll help. But what should I do?

Rico winked and pointed to a small bush growing right at the edge of the stream. — See, Lunar, this bush needs to be trimmed. It has very long branches, and they are preventing other plants from growing. You’re quick and nimble, I’m sure you can handle it.

Encouraged by Rico’s words, Lunar approached the bush and began to carefully trim its long branches. He felt the work filling him with energy, and with each cut, he felt satisfaction. Everyone around him continued with their tasks, but now Lunar felt that he, too, was doing something important.

When the work was done, Lunar stepped back and looked around. His friends continued working, and he realized that it wasn’t just his efforts that had made the day better, but also the joy they all shared together. He noticed how each of them was smiling, as if the very process of working and caring for others had become part of their happiness.

— You did a great job, Lunar! — praised Rico. — See how well everything is going? Each of us contributes something to this world. A smile and joy — that’s what we need to make everything go well. You simply gave your part, and it helped all of us. But you didn’t just work; you also made us a little happier just by being here.

Lunar was surprised by these words. He realized that the process of helping wasn’t as important to him as the fact that his actions had made others happy. He felt his heart fill with joy knowing that everything he did brought someone joy and made this day special.

At that moment, Lunar understood that a smile is not just an outward gesture, but an inner energy that can be passed on to others. He noticed that when he helped his friends, they smiled. And in turn, that made him happier. He realized that every day, when he gives smiles and help, the world becomes a little better.

From that day on, Lunar began to help his friends with joy. He started to notice how even small actions were important and how they affected those around him. Every time he helped, he felt the joy of his friends returning to him with double the strength. And with each of those moments, his heart was filled with warmth.

He no longer doubted himself and understood that joy, smiles, and help are what make their world so bright and beautiful. And now, as he walked across the sunny meadow, Lunar knew that every day, every moment he would spend with his friends, would be filled with joy, laughter, and, of course, smiles.