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To commemorate my first journal entry, I have a short story for you, titled "Smiles and a First Day". Read on, and enjoy.

A smile can mean the world to anyone. It means the world to me. A little smile when I feel down, the grin on a neighbor's face when I come over, a smile from someone I try to cheer up... they all make you feel good about yourself. I remember a time when I felt weak and afraid. It was not that long ago, actually. But I knew no one. I felt like no one. I was almost a teenager, but I clung to my father's hand like I was a kindergartener. I trembled as my father waved and walked away. I was feeling more and more like no one cared. I was nobody. I walked towards the place where everyone was gathered. I sat down. The person next to me smiled a heartfelt smile. I weakly smiled back. I felt a little better, but I didn't know her, and I was still afraid. A person in front of me twisted around to see me. Now I knew how zoo animals felt. People were turning around and looking at me from every angle. I wanted to hide or run away right then. They began to talk to each other and point at me. Soon, everyone was looking. I feared what they would do. Then, they all started to grin. I couldn't stop myself. I began to smile. A boy a couple people away from me reached out his hand and said hi. I smiled as a return, and shook his hand. A girl next to me said hello. A boy in front of me grinned and kind of tossed his head, held out his hand, and said hi. People continued to grin all around me. Someone else walked into the room, probably as scared as I had, and what do you know? They did the same thing. I felt warm and even a little happy inside when I saw everyone smiling. A smile can mean the world to anyone. Especially to me.

Ta-dah! First day, first story. Hopefully everyone liked it.

--Kimberly Stone