A long time ago, there was a beautiful woman — her beauty could only be described as unimaginable. Many men within the town were deeply enamored by her, yet she always declined their confessions. She was waiting — waiting for her ideal man.
A man who could bring her happiness and pleasure.
And then, one day, he finally came.
The man bowed before her, confessed his love, and this time, she finally said yes.
Time passed after they were married. One day, the husband received an announcement — one of his relatives had passed away. He told his wife that she should attend the funeral and reminded her to cry hard, so that the people there would feel sympathy for them both. She said yes, anything for her beloved husband.
At the funeral, she was the one who cried the hardest. The amount of tears falling down her cheeks was immense, despite the fact that she did not even know who she was crying for.
The next day, another message arrived — his sister had given birth to her first child, and the family was celebrating. He told his wife that when they attended the gathering, she must smile and laugh, for that would bring the family closer together. Once again, she said yes.
At the celebration, though she didn't know the name of the baby nor the mother, she still rejoiced with them, laughing louder than anyone else.
Then, another day came. The husband received a rare treasure — made of elegant material that could be found nowhere else. She looked at it with eyes full of admiration, excitement, and thrill. But her husband frowned. He turned to her and said she should look dissatisfied — that was the only way to return the gift. The woman, pitying and wistful, reluctantly pretended to despise the treasure and refused to keep it.
Days later, her husband grew furious at someone. In his wrath, he turned to his wife and commanded her to be angry as well — to help restore his honor. Without a word, she hesitated, then obeyed. She scolded and insulted a person she did not even know, one who had done nothing to her.
Many more days passed. Whenever her husband showed any emotion, she had to follow him. If he felt joy, she smiled. If he was sad, she wept. And when he showed nothing, she too became expressionless. She lived with him still, though she no longer felt anything inside. At least, she thought, he treats me well.
Her beauty, once capable of mesmerizing all who saw her, began to fade with time. Her face, once radiant and alive, turned pale and rigid.
One morning, she woke up and looked into a mirror.
Her reflection stared back at her — a face that had nothing.
No sorrow. No joy. Only emptiness.
She touched her cheek, but felt nothing. Feelings had long abandoned her. She no longer understood what happiness or sadness meant. Her face was ready — ready for anyone to tell her what expression to wear.
When her husband approached her that morning and said, "Be happy today — visitors will come, and they must feel welcome,"
A perfect, flawless smile appeared upon her face. Her expression was warm and gentle.
She said softly,
"I will try my best... anything for you, my love."