Novel & Cerita Peace Begins With Smile

The silence was comfortable. Mine. I poured myself a glass of water, sat on the couch, and tucked my legs beneath me. And then I smiled. Not a grin. Not a victory. Just peace. Because sometimes healing isn’t loud. It’s just… leaving without needing to slam the door.

And then— She smiled. Not the tired, brittle smile she’d been offering for days. Not the forced, brave one. This was a true smile, slow and genuine, blossoming on her face, reaching her eyes, making them sparkle with something akin to joy, to peace. The shadows that had haunted them seemed to recede, replaced by a soft, internal light.

The weight I had dragged around for years, so deeply ingrained into me that I thought it was part of who I was, had finally begun to fall away. Tina glanced at me, that bright, effortless smile of hers shining, and suddenly, the world didn’t feel so heavy anymore. For the first time in years, I felt… right. Tina’s POV “You know,” Simon gave me that smile—the one that twisted my insides into knots, “if you had told me there was a reward for making peace with my mum, I would’ve done it ages ago.” Then his eyes softened, in the way that made me want to kiss him right there and then.

It's as if he's had an epiphany, a revelation that has the power to change the trajectory of our fates. His lips stretch into a genuine, full-hearted smile that shatters the tension like glass. It's a smile that doesn't belong in a room charged with accusations and threats of war. It's a smile that beckons forth hope from the depths of despair, like a lone flower blooming in a war-torn field. The abrupt change in atmosphere is jolting, sending ripples of confusion, hope, and cautious optimism through the room. What does this mean? Are we stepping back from the edge of war, or is this a respite before an even more significant storm?

I scan it’s surrounding hoping to see that face that makes me feel so at ease. Our eyes lock on to each other , and instantly I get an overwhelming feeling of happiness and peace – it is as if all my problems just melted away. A small smile forms upon my lips , and when I see him returning the smile my smile gets bigger and bigger. I could not help my self , I could not contain the absolute joy I had felt so I had raised my hand and began waving at him frantically.

With that, I hung up and blocked his number without hesitation. Liam must have sensed the tension in the car because he smiled and tried to lighten the mood. “Miss Griffin, you came here to start a new life. Don’t let stuff like that ruin it. We’ll be at your apartment soon. You’re going to love it.” I turned my eyes to the sky. The clouds at the horizon were painted gold by the setting sun, and for the first time in years, I felt a weight lifting off my shoulders. I nodded lightly. “You’re right. I’m looking forward to my new beginning.”

“Because trust isn’t something we can demand before we give someone a reason to trust us.” She smiled. “That sounds like something a diplomat would say.” “I’m learning from one.” She laughed. Then her expression softened. “Be careful.” “I will.” She hugged me before stepping back. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then she said, “Maybe this is what peace actually looks like.” “What?” “Walking into a place where people don’t trust you and choosing to listen anyway.” I smiled. “Maybe.” The next morning, I left Mooncrest alone. No soldiers followed.

Peace’s curly ginger hair bounced with every step as she ran toward her, arms flung wide open and a radiant grin lighting up her face. “Baby girl!” Peace squealed, her voice slicing through the airport noise. “The one and only Escola Johnson!” “Don’t mess my afro,” Escola warned with a teasing tone, just before her best friend tackled her into a hug. “I missed you, so much.” Peace laughed, pulling back slightly to study her face. “Same here,” Escola replied, giving Peace’s hand a squeeze. There was something grounding about Peace’s presence, something that made the chaos of travel and the frenzy of Escola's work dissolve, even is it was only for a moment. And she was very grateful for that.

Smiles and Pain. Peace and Chaos. I wonder how a person can smile despite the pain he or she is feeling. I wonder how can there be peace at the center of chaos. How can they do that? Why can’t I do that? “Faster, Fely. We’ll be late!” I snapped out from my thoughts when I heard Ghale’s voice. I run towards her and smiled. “Let’s go. I’m excited.” I said, but she just sadly smiles at me.

Bambi smiled, watching her own lovely daughter walk graciously to the frontline which was decorated with red flowers laying idly but beautifully on the arranged red carpet. "It is with great delight I stand here today and I appreciate everyone who is here to celebrate this special success with me. For the love and presence! You could decide to stay back buy you all came from your beautiful abode. I'm greatly honored and with a pious heart full of gratitude and thanks, I appreciate! Dad, you're the best man on earth and it pleases me when I remember you and mum are the ones who beget me. Mum, for being there and for the attention and time, the lovely memories, our strong and unbreakable bond