Selenga decided to go for a walk one day. In the distance stood a very large mountain.
But this mountain was behaving quite strangely.
It stared seriously at every passing cloud. It gave a formal salute to every flying bird. It said “Hmm” at every gust of wind.
It never smiled.
Selenga walked closer.
The Serious Mountain
“Hello,” said Selenga.
“Hello,” replied the mountain. Its voice was deep and official.
"What's your name?"
“Mountain.”
“Just Mountain?”
"Yes. Mountains don't have names. Mountains are seriousness."
Selenga laughed. "You're very serious."
"Mountains must be serious. Mountains live for thousands of years. Silliness doesn't suit a mountain."
Selenga looked at the mountain. “Have you ever laughed?”
The mountain thought. For a very long time.
"I can't remember."
The First Smile Attempt
"I'd like to try something with you," said Selenga.
“Trying things is silliness.”
"I don't think so. Scientists do experiments. They're very serious."
The mountain paused. "That's true."
“Are you ready?”
“Hmm. Okay.”
“Now,” said Selenga, “raise your hands up.”
"Mountains don't have hands."
“Lift your snow.”
The mountain tried. It puffed up the snow on its peak a little.
“Now...” Selenga laughed. “Look, you raised your hands and nothing bad happened. The world kept spinning.”
The mountain looked around. “Yes.”
"Sometimes it's safe to do things that aren't serious."
The Joke
"I'm going to tell you a joke," said Selenga.
“A joke...”
“Just give it a chance.”
“Okay,” said the mountain, very formally.
"Why do mountains say 'Ouch!' after lightning strikes them?"
"I don't know."
"Because they're burned!"
The mountain waited. It tried to understand.
Then... something happened.
The mountain's rocks trembled slightly. Its snow shook. A loud, rumbling sound came from deep within the mountain.
“HA... HAAAA... HAAAA...”
The mountain was laughing.
And its laughter was so powerful that everyone in the village below stopped and looked up at the mountain.
“The mountain laughed!” someone cried.
“For the first time!” said another.
Everyone looked up and then laughed too. The mountain's laughter was contagious.
The Gift of Laughter
The mountain stopped. Dust fell from its rocks.
“What happened to me?” it asked.
“You laughed.”
“But... I was heavy. So very heavy. Now I feel lighter.”
"That's what laughter does,“ said Selenga. ”It lifts the weight."
The mountain thought. "For thousands of years I've carried a heavy weight. Now some of it is gone."
“If you laugh a little every day, it will keep getting lighter.”
The mountain looked at Selenga. "You're a strange child."
“Thank you.”
"I didn't mean it as a compliment."
"I know. That's why I thanked you."
The mountain trembled again. It was laughing.
Why Is Laughter Good for Us?
Laughter is wonderful medicine for our bodies and minds. It reduces stress, creates friendship and connection, and helps us feel lighter and happier. Even mountains need to laugh sometimes!
Does Everything Have to Be Serious?
No. There are times when we need to be serious and thoughtful. But not every moment requires seriousness. Life needs balance between responsibility and joy, between work and play, between thinking and laughing.
A Note for Parents
This is a lighthearted and gentle story perfect for bedtime or on days when your child needs a mood boost. After reading, try sharing jokes or silly moments together. Laughter is a wonderful way to connect with your children and remind them that happiness is always within reach.