A Morning Reminder

I stepped across the kitchen tiles to the base of the white refrigerator. Proper survival always begins with polite communication before breakfast is served. Down on the lowest metal panel, several colorful magnetic letters were scattered in careless disarray. Using both of my flat hands, I nudged the pieces across the cool enamel one by one, feeling the magnets glide with a pleasant resistance. I lined five bright letters into a tidy, level row: S-M-I-L-E. Stepping back against the pantry baseboard, I squared my feet and admired the greeting. It is so very courteous to remind everyone what their face should be doing before they even reach for the milk.