The Sphinx Who Forgot How to Smile

Lily loved wearing her grandma's big floppy hat to the beach. It was purple and had flowers all around the brim. One hot afternoon, while she was eating sweet papaya from her lunchbox, she heard something splashing in the water.

A small golden sphinx was swimming clumsily toward shore! He had the body of a kitten and tiny wings that shimmered like pearls.

"I'm Prince Paws," the sphinx said, shaking water from his fur. "And I've forgotten how to smile!"

Lily shared her papaya with him. The sphinx had never tasted anything so wonderful—so sweet and sunny. But still, his face stayed grumpy.

"Maybe swimming will help!" Lily suggested. They splashed and played in the gentle waves until they were both exhausted. Prince Paws even did a happy flip in the air! Yet his mouth remained in a serious line.

Lily thought hard. Then she placed her purple hat on the sphinx's head. It was way too big and slipped over his eyes, making him look silly.

Prince Paws peeked out from under the hat. And then—something magical happened. He started giggling. Then laughing. Then ROARING with laughter! His smile was the most beautiful thing Lily had ever seen.

"I forgot that friends make you happy!" Prince Paws said. "That's why sphinxes smile—not because of papayas or swimming or funny hats, but because of friendship!"

From that day on, whenever Lily visited the beach, the little sphinx would come swimming out to meet her. And they'd share papaya, wear silly hats, and always remember the most important lesson of all: The best adventures are the ones you share with friends.