April

What is alive thing?
Happiness is right next to you.

In a small, quiet village surrounded by rolling hills and wildflowers, there lived a curious little girl named April. With her golden hair that danced in the wind and eyes as bright as the morning sky, she was known for always asking questions. But one day, as the sun spilled golden light across the fields, April asked a question that puzzled even the wisest villagers.

"What is a living thing?" she asked, her voice soft but eager.

The baker wiped flour from his hands and said, "A living thing is something that grows, like the wheat in the fields."

The blacksmith paused from his hammering and said, "A living thing breathes and moves, like the horses in the stable."

The teacher smiled kindly and added, "A living thing has a heart that beats, like the birds that sing in the trees."

April nodded, but her heart still felt full of wonder. She wanted to understand more. That evening, she sat by the old willow tree near the river, the breeze whispering secrets through its branches. She gazed at the stars shimmering above and hugged her knees tight.

Just then, her dog Clover bounded to her side, nuzzling her hand. His tail wagged, his eyes sparkling with joy. April giggled and felt a warmth grow inside her.

"Clover," she whispered, stroking his fur, "are you alive because you make me smile?"

The gentle breeze carried a soft answer in return.

"Happiness is right next to you," it seemed to say.

April looked around. The flowers swayed, glowing with the golden kiss of twilight. The river hummed a lullaby, and the willow tree bent its branches as though it too was listening. Her heart swelled as she realized the truth.

A living thing was not just something that grew or breathed. It was something that shared joy. It was the laughter she felt with Clover, the comfort of the breeze, the sparkle of stars in the night sky. Life was everywhere, in every small happiness that surrounded her.

April ran home that night, her spirit light as air. She no longer needed an answer, for she understood. Happiness was right next to her, and that was the most alive thing of all.

John

What is alive thing?
Happiness is right next to you.

John was a curious little boy who always asked questions about the world around him. One sunny afternoon, as he sat under the big oak tree in his backyard, he looked up at the sky and asked his father,

"Dad, what is a living thing?"

His father smiled warmly and replied, "A living thing is something that grows, breathes, and experiences the world. It can feel the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the breeze, and even the joy of laughter."

John thought for a moment, his eyes scanning the yard. He saw the green leaves swaying, the birds chirping in the branches, and the ants marching along the ground.

"So the tree is alive, and the birds, and the ants too?" he asked.

"Yes, my dear," his father said, nodding. "And so are you, because you can smile, run, and feel happiness."

John smiled at the thought of being like the birds and the tree. But then he furrowed his brows and asked, "But what about happiness, Dad? Is happiness alive too?"

His father chuckled softly. "Happiness may not have a heartbeat or breathe like you do, but it lives within you. Happiness is alive in the way you laugh with your friends, in the kindness you show, and in the warmth of a hug."

Just then, John's little dog, Max, bounded over, wagging his tail with excitement. Max's playful bark and the joy in his eyes made John giggle. His father watched as John hugged Max tightly, the sound of laughter filling the air.

"See, John? Happiness is right next to you," his father said. "It's in moments like these, in the love you share and the joy you feel. That’s how you know happiness is alive."

John beamed, understanding his father's words. He realized that living things weren't just those that grew and moved, but also the feelings that made life beautiful.

And from that day on, John knew that no matter where he went, happiness would always be right next to him.