Chimper #2849
The vendors along the river in The Great Panda City whisper that Bigin the Grinning has never known a day of sadness. The truth is much quieter. Bigin was once a scholar of crippling shyness, finding solace only in ancient texts. When citizens began seeking their wisdom, the pressure to speak was overwhelming. So, they began to smile. It was a mask at first, a silent shield against their own awkwardness. But the people didn't see a shield; they saw an invitation. A young apprentice, too nervous to ask their question, saw the grin and felt brave. A guard, chilled by the mountain winds, saw it and felt a flicker of warmth. The more comfort the smile gave, the more it became real. Bigin is still shy, blushing whenever someone meets their gaze for too long, but the grin is now a genuine gift they offer freely.
