A/N: For one quick moment, I was inspired by a friend of mine. I've only known her for a short time, but she's grown to be a very dear friend. The very theme of this fiction, is the title itself. I thought since both of us love this character, through all of her depth, that this would be a fitting fiction. I don't know if you'll read this or not, Beth, as I have no motive to tell you that I've written it…but if you do, know that I did it with you in mind, on the fly, during one of our late night talks.

Only meant as a one shot…I don't own Maria-sama Ga Miteru.

Smile

It's so simple, really. It might seem complicated for everyone else to understand, life gets busy, and we forget…I won't pretend that everything just melts away, and that every hardship become nothing. I just think that it's easier to close your eyes and pretend the hard things aren't there at all. It's easy not to face them.

At least then, no matter what, you can deny the pain, the restlessness, the doubt…everything.

Some people might say that it's better that way. They might throw up a transparent wall around them, as if that could possibly save them from everything they might feel. They might lock themselves away for years, keeping a tight hold on the things they want to say most. It would be the first time, nor the last, in the history of mankind. In fact, we're good at that. Playing pretend is frighteningly easy.

I think, if a person's going to that, it's fine.

But…

I also think, if a person's going to do that, they might drown within themselves. It's all too easy, to just give up on everyone and everything that surrounds you, watching days with no end pass you by. I think, for some people that might even be acceptable. Some might not agree, but, that's what makes it interesting. I doubt I would have felt that way when I was younger, but time puts a perspective on things.

It doesn't heal wounds, but maybe…just maybe…someone will see the scar, and tend to it with care. I'd like to believe that if someone is so fortunate, then the weight will come off. Then, that fleetingly impossible thing, well, won't seem so difficult anymore. I think, instead, it would become natural. An action done without even thinking, as if, on pure instinct alone.

Maybe, that's the problem…it's too simple of an idea, and yet it's so hard to do.

Even so, I don't mind. In the end, it doesn't really matter what I think, because the world is much more abstract than one person's opinion. It's filled with experiences, some good, and some bad. Maybe I'm being idealistic, and thinking about these things might be pointless…but even so, is it really so bad to be so simple?

All I really want is to be able to smile at others, and receive that same truthful happiness in return. Standing side by side, with the people who matter the most, I want to find that kind light in my life, without pretense or second guessing myself. I've decided deep down, truthfully speaking, that kind of simpleminded selfishness isn't a crime at all.

In fact, I think it's a gift.