I hike the backpack up my shoulder and slap on the bright smile: the one Connor always said made me feel warmer. More inviting. Growing up, especially next to sunny Parker, I’d been told to perk up more times than I can remember. Connor used to work overtime trying to get me to smile. Trying to tickle me into laughter in that cutesy way of his. Smile, Melly. It won’t kill you. Cheer up, Melly. People are starving in other parts of the world. What do you have to be so serious about? As if my cheerful mood would cause the heavens to open up and deliver food and water to the people who need it.
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