Joy Cost A Thing | The Ink Well Fiction Prompt #147

Bethany lived with her grandma in a small town called Joyville. She has a natural knack for bringing joy and delight to everyone who comes in contact with her. Her twinkling eyes, bubbly personality, and infectious smile made her a beloved member of Joyville. Here Grandma taught the relevance of making people happy. She also told her stories about her adventures in search of the ultimate delight. Bethany listened wide-eyed, eager to capture the same sense of wonder.

Matheus Bertelli

Joyville was a peaceful town as parents taught their wards to be well-behaved and to be content with whatever they had.
One day, as Bethany was strolling through the town square, she noticed a gloomy cloud hanging over her normally cheerful village. The townspeople wore frowns, and the air was heavy with sadness. Determined to uplift the spirits of her community, Bethany set out on a quest to find the source of this melancholy. Just before she embarked on this quest, her Grandma called her in the middle of the night and said to her:

My daughter, are you sure you want to do this?

She nodded in affirmative with her head raised to look at her Grandma, eyeballs to eyeballs.

It is a task for adults who are focused.

Grandma said, trying to discourage her from embarking on the journey.

Grandma, life must return to Joyville and I am ready to go all the way to ensure that.

Seeing that Bethany was determined, Grandma had no other choice than to support and wish her well on the challenge. Bethany on the other hand took all the paraphernalia she needed and early in the morning when Joyville was not yet woken from sleep, Bethany moved out.

Bethany wandered around the hills and meadows surrounding Joyville, searching for clues that would help in bringing back the smiles, laughter, and joy in the lives of the people of Joyville. She searched the nook and cranny of the valley and hill but could find nothing. Just as she was about to give up, she saw a scene of a black ant carrying a big particle in its mouth into a hole down the earth.

Now, the particle is bigger than the hole, the ant could not carry the particle into the hole because of the size of the particle, so it went away and returned almost immediately and began to bite the particle into bits that passed through the tiny hole down under the earth.

With these scenes, Bethany encouraged herself. She took one step at a time, seeking any available clue. At the foot of the hill where she had searched before, she stumbled upon a magical crystal hidden amongst the flowers.

Intrigued, Bethany picked up the crystal and watched in surprise as it shimmered with glowing colours. Suddenly, a sprightly fairy emerged and introduced herself

Hi, beautiful soul. My name is Nora, the guardian of delight.

Shocked, Bethany moved back a few steps, not knowing what to do. She stammered as the words that she ought to speak refused to burst forth from her mouth.

Do not be afraid. I see that your intent is good, that's why I came to your help.

Nora reassured her.

This crystal has the power to absorb negative emotions and restore joy to the hearts of those who hold it.

Bethany stood in a close distance, only listening to the fairy Nora. She doesn't want to miss a word.

I entrust this crystal to you, knowing that you have the purest intentions to spread delight throughout Joyville.

The fairy left Bethany's presence in the hills while Bethany who was still in shock returned to the town square. She climbed on a soapbox and began to speak, her voice filled with warmth and optimism. As she spoke words of love, friendship and laughter, the crystal emitted a soft glow, causing the mood of the townspeople to lift.

Gradually, the cloud of sadness dissipated, and the people of Joyville rediscovered their delight. Bethany became the cherished figure and was hailed as the town's Delight Bringer. She organised from time to time, joyful events from lively festivals to heartwarming charity drives, infusing happiness into every corner of the town.

As time passed, Bethany's reputation as a bringer of delight spread far and wide. People from all over often come to Joyville just to catch a glimpse of the lady who held the magical crystal. Her grandmother watched with pride as her protégé flourished, knowing she had unearthed her true calling.

Bethany never forgot the life lessons her grandmother taught her and the responsibility she had for spreading joy. She continued to journey through life, sharing her infectious smile and brightening the lives of all she encountered.

Nora's crystal became a symbol of everlasting delight that flows through Joyville. The town remained a haven for happiness, all the is to the undying spirit of a young lady who never stopped believing in the power of delight.