To be Happy

“Happy!!! Why Happy?”

Happy has been in America two years. The first day I met her, she stands in front of the library alone. Waiting. The morning sunshine painted her short hair light brown. I had a glance in the car; she is about two inches taller than me.

Mom dropped me off at the library; she signed up an art class for me to enjoy few days ago. To be honest I have no clue why I came here; I can’t draw. Period. Oh well, at less I am not stuck in the house. Once I walked towards the library I realized she might be in the same program.

She has Asian looks just like me. I was so surprised and cheerful. We introduced our selves to each other. I was thrilled she can speak Chinese and live around here. That’s means she could be my first best friend in America. We could learn English together. I am not alone any more.

Unlike my complicating name, her name is “Happy”. Easy to remember and pronounce. “To be happy is a day, or not to be is a day. Why not be Happy!” I laughed and agreed with her. I told her “I like to hang out with happy and be her friend as well.” We smiled at each other.

Even though I am not good at drawing, but I had fun spend time with my friend Happy. Mom was amazed and shocked when I told her about Happy.

“That’s GREAT you have make new friend! But what’s her real name again?”

“Happy!”

“Happy!!! Why Happy? You should tell her to change her name. It doesn’t sounds like a proper name in America! At school people might make fun of her because of her name.”

I gave my Mom a stare, then I said “Okay…”

I know my mom is kindly want to help. But it makes me questioning what is America culture? Judge other by how they look and their names?

Happy kept her name, because it’s meaningful for herself. She is proud to be Happy. And I am happy have a friend like Happy. 

By the way, Happy doesn't have any trouble with her name yet, let's just hope nobody would make fun of her culture and name in the future.