I'LL WALK IF YOU SMILE

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Their meal passed without much conversation, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. Jenny insisted on cleaning up afterwards since Thomas "cooked." In return, she received another hint of a smile, which made her wonder what would make him grin or laugh out loud. "Do you ever smile?" 

The question seemed to startle him, and he thought for a moment. "I think so." 

"When was the last time you laughed out loud?" Jenny challenged. 

"Nineteen-ninety-three. How about you?" 

"You just made that up." Jenny poked a finger against his chest. "You don't remember, do you?" 

If anything, Thomas seemed to grow more somber. "No. I don't remember." 

They sat in silence for several minutes, and Jenny thought they were a sad pair indeed. Didn't normal people laugh? And walk? 

…Jenny saw an echo of her own sadness in Thomas' eyes. "I'll learn to walk if you learn to smile." 

"Do you think it's that easy?" 

"Well, I don't know, but maybe we could try something every day and see if it works." 

Slowly, Thomas nodded. "Maybe we could." 

"Deal?" Jenny extended her hand. 

After a moment's hesitation, Thomas took her hand in his. "Deal." 

(Excerpt from Legacy of Truth, copyright Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel)

For more excerpts and more information, visit www.GenieGabriel.com