1 1 The beginning

She was born on a bright and sunny day. As the newborn child opened her eyes for the first time, a ray of sunshine fell on her forehead, and she smiled. It was truly a beautiful smile, and all the doctors and nurses gathered round were amazed that a baby could smile so wonderfully.

So, Mina looked at her little girl and decided to name her Akiko, because she was like a lovely, clear sparkling light that had illuminated her life.

Akiko grew up happy, and many people who got to know the child were astonished by her beautiful smile. It made them feel warm and pleasant inside, like the feeling one gets when one steps outside into a spring day full of life and promise and smells the new blossoms opening. And so everyone was kind to her, for she could melt the heart of all who looked at her smile.