“No,” Emma said. She looked at me. “Why?”
Daniel glanced at me across the table. Just for a second.
It was a question. He was giving me the chance to stop him. If I’d shaken my head, even a little bit, he’d have changed the subject. I know he would have.
I hesitated.
Then I set down my fork.
“When I was about your age,” I said, “I dated a boy who didn’t like my smile.”
Emma frowned. “Your smile?”
“His name was Kevin. Kevin Pruitt. We were fifteen. He played baseball, and he had a red Camaro his older brother let him drive sometimes, and I thought he was the most wonderful boy in Ohio.”
Jacob made a face. “Gross, Mom.”
“Hush,” I said.
I looked at Emma.
“One day we were at the county fair. Somebody took a picture of us by the Ferris wheel. And when Kevin saw the picture, he laughed and said, ‘Your front teeth look huge. Like a beaver.'”
Emma’s mouth fell open.
“He said you should smile with your mouth closed. That it would look better. More grown-up.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Emma said.
“It sounds ridiculous now,” I said. “It didn’t then.”
I looked at Daniel.
“I spent years covering my mouth when I laughed. Years. I’d put my hand right over it, like this.” I showed her. “Even after Kevin and I broke up. Even in college. Even at my own bridal shower.”
Emma stared at me.
“You never told me that.”
“I hadn’t thought about it in a long time, honey.”
“Did Dad know?”
“He noticed that I never smiled in pictures. Not once. Not even in our engagement photos. He asked me about it on our first anniversary. And finally, I told him.”
Daniel reached across the table and took my hand.
“And I told her,” he said, “that her smile was the best thing about her.”
“Several times,” I said.
“Several hundred times.”
Emma smiled at both of us.
But across the table, Tyler had stopped eating.
He was staring down at his plate. His fork was just sitting there in his hand. Not moving.
Ethan Blake is a skilled Creative Content Specialist with a talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking narratives. With a strong background in storytelling and digital content creation, Ethan brings a unique perspective to his role at TheArchivists, where he curates and produces captivating content for a global audience.
Ethan holds a degree in Communications from Zurich University, where he developed his expertise in storytelling, media strategy, and audience engagement. Known for his ability to blend creativity with analytical precision, he excels at creating content that not only entertains but also connects deeply with readers.
At TheArchivists, Ethan specializes in uncovering compelling stories that reflect a wide range of human experiences. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, creativity, and ability to spark meaningful conversations, earning him recognition among peers and readers alike.
Passionate about the art of storytelling, Ethan enjoys exploring themes of culture, history, and personal growth, aiming to inspire and inform with every piece he creates. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, Ethan continues to push boundaries in the ever-evolving world of digital content.