Perfect Thing

Amy was thrilled about the upcoming birthday party on Saturday night. She imagined the music, dancing, delicious food, and meeting new friends. However, she was stuck on one thing: what to wear.

Her school friends were all buzzing about their new outfits. Imogen and Chloe had bought new dresses, Sally had splurged on designer jeans, and Kerry had stunning new shoes. Feeling left out, Amy approached her mom.

“Mom, can I get some money to buy something new?” Amy asked.

“No,” her mom replied. “You already have plenty of nice clothes. What about your blue T-shirt with the butterfly? It’s adorable.”

“But everyone else has something new,” Amy said, disappointed. “I don’t want to be the only one wearing old clothes.”

“It’s not old!” her mom chuckled. “And it looks great. I can’t afford to buy you something new right now. Why don’t you ask your grandma?”

This sparked an idea. Amy’s grandma adored fashion and shopping, so Amy called her, and they planned a trip to the mall on Saturday.

At the mall, Grandma asked, “So, what are we looking for?”

“Something really nice,” Amy replied vaguely.

Grandma laughed. “We need more details, sweetheart! A dress? A top? Jeans? What color do you like? Red? Yellow?”

“I’m not sure,” Amy said. “I’ll know it when I see it.”

Grandma sighed. “This might take a while! Any color preferences? Do you like blue?”

“Yes, I like blue,” Amy said.

“Perfect! Let’s start with blue,” Grandma suggested.

They entered the first store and browsed through blue dresses, tops, and jeans. Amy picked six items to try on but came out of the fitting room unsatisfied.

“The dress was nice, but not special enough,” Amy said. “I want something extraordinary, Grandma.”

“I understand, sweetheart. It’s a special party, after all. Don’t worry—this is just the first store. We’ll keep looking,” Grandma reassured her.

They visited every shop on the first floor, but Amy found nothing. They moved to the second floor, then the third, and even had lunch there. Despite her growing fatigue, Grandma remained patient and encouraging.

“We’ll keep going until we find the perfect outfit,” Grandma said.

By the time they reached the fourth floor, Amy felt overwhelmed. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to cry.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Grandma asked.

“I’ll never find it,” Amy sobbed. “I want something special so badly, but nothing feels right. I’m exhausted, but I can’t go home empty-handed.”

Grandma handed her a tissue. “Don’t worry, we’ve tried our best, and that’s what matters. We’ve also had a lovely day together. Let me tell you a secret—I know the perfect thing for you to wear. Something that will make you feel amazing and draw everyone to you.”

“Really?” Amy asked, hopeful. “What is it? Do we have time to get it?”

“You already have it,” Grandma whispered something in her ear.

Amy’s eyes lit up. “Yes! You’re so clever, Grandma!” She kissed her grandma’s cheek. “Let’s go home.”

That evening, Amy’s mom was eager to see the special outfit they had bought. But when Amy came downstairs, she was wearing her old jeans and the blue butterfly T-shirt.

“You’re wearing that?” her mom asked, surprised. “You spent the whole day shopping! I thought you found the perfect outfit.”

“I did,” Amy said with a bright smile. “I’m wearing it, Mom. A smile!” She beamed her biggest, happiest smile.

Her mom smiled back. “You’re absolutely right, Amy. You don’t need fancy clothes or money. A smile is all you need.”

“Exactly,” Amy said. “It’s the perfect thing.”