"Pick a Word, Paint a Story #09."

Hello everyone, I pray everyone of us are healthy Here for a contest that @senehasa holdês "Pick a Word, Paint a Story #09." Here is my entry

A SMILE IN THE RAIN

That morning, the sky was overcast over the city. Teardrops became gray clouds and the raindrops started to pour lightly. The streets were wet, the sidewalks breathed of cool air and people hustle to seek shelter

A girl named anisa with a bag slung over her shoulder from a bus stop Anisa had just left the house while waiting for the bus after her interview. Her interview did not go as expected. She was nervous, and the words she spoke felt messy. Now, the rain seemed to amplify her feelings of disappointment.

Beside her, a small child around eight years old sat in a school uniform that was starting to get wet. He did not bring an umbrella, and the books on his lap were wrapped in makeshift plastic. Anisa looked at the child with pity.

"You didn't bring a raincoat?" Anisa asked softly.

The boy shook his head. “I forgot,” he answered softly.

Anisa opened her bag and took out a small umbrella. She handed it to the boy. “Use this.”

The boy looked at her with round, curious eyes. “But you need an umbrella too.”

Anisa smiled thinly. “I can wait until the rain stops.”

The boy seemed hesitant, but eventually accepted the umbrella. He opened the umbrella and raised his face toward Anisa. “Thank you, Sis.”

That was when something happened. The boy smiled—an innocent, sincere smile that spread across his entire face. His small eyes sparkled, and his cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold air.

The smile was simple, but it brought a warmth that surprised Anisa. She, who had been feeling disappointed, suddenly felt something different. Her heart became lighter.

The bus finally arrived. The boy jumped on and waved. “See you, Sis!” he said in a cheerful voice before the bus door closed.

Anisa was still standing at the bus stop, smiling slightly. She realized something—that a smile could change a lot of things. The smile of the little boy had lifted some of the burden from her heart.

She took a deep breath and decided to go home with a lighter heart. The job interview may not have gone well, but life always gives another chance. And who knows, maybe today she will not only give an umbrella, but also receive something more valuable—a smile that will change her day.

The rain is still falling, but for Anisa, the world feels brighter.

This story is so touching! Its simplicity makes the message feel so deep. Sometimes, something as small as a smile can bring warmth and change the way someone sees their day.

My favorite part is when Anisa realizes that she has not only given an umbrella, but also received something much more valuable—a genuine smile. It is a reminder that kindness, no matter how small, always has an impact.

If this story had been developed further, maybe they could have added a little more background about Anisa—what made the interview so difficult for her? Or maybe have another short conversation between her and the little boy before the bus arrived, to deepen their emotional connection.

But overall, this is a beautiful story. Is there a special message you want to emphasize more deeply?

that's all I can share On this occasion I want to invite my friends @sariana23 @aspiya y @casv to join this contest