It had been almost a week since Maxwell's life-changing journey with Happiness through the realms of time. Seven days since he'd witnessed the dark future that could be, and seven days since he'd made a promise to himself to spread happiness and joy to those around him.

As he lay in bed, the morning sunlight peeking through the curtains, Maxwell felt a sense of excitement and anticipation wash over him. He could hardly believe the transformation that had taken place within him. The weight of his own selfish desires had lifted, replaced by a sense of purpose and belonging.

With a spring in his step, Maxwell throws off the covers and gets out of bed, ready to face the day ahead. He grabs his and runs to the lavatory to bath.

As Maxwell steps out of the shower, he can't help but whistle a happy tune. The warm water has washed away the lingering doubts and fears, leaving him feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He wraps himself in a towel, his eyes twinkling with a newfound sense of purpose.

"Astronaut, my friend," he says, addressing the toy perched on his bathroom counter, "I think it's time for you to return the stars to the galaxy. You know, so everyone can enjoy the delightful view?"

The astronaut, with its shiny metallic surface and permanently fixed smile, seems to nod in agreement. Maxwell chuckles, feeling a sense of playfulness he hadn't experienced in ages.

As he gets dressed, he can't help but notice the way the sunlight streaming through the window highlights the dust motes dancing in the air. He feels a pang of gratitude for this ordinary, yet extraordinary, moment.

Downstairs, he finds his breakfast already laid out - a bowl of steaming hot cereal, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and a sprinkling of colorful fruit on top. His mom has left a note, scribbled in her hasty handwriting: "Good morning, sweetie! I'm running late for work. Have a great day!"

Maxwell's heart swells with appreciation as he reads the note. He takes a bite of the cereal, savoring the sweet, comforting taste. For the first time in weeks, he feels like he's finally found his footing.

He hears his father,running from one room to another to either grab his tie, belt or shirt. His little brother Carl walks and tries to climb on the high chair. Maxwell immediately abandons his cereal,and helps Carl sit. He lovingly feds him,cleans the food around his lips with his fingers and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

As Maxwell tends to Carl, his father rushes into the kitchen, looking frazzled and flustered. "Morning, son! Sorry, I'm running late. Can you help me find my tie?" He pats his pockets, as if hoping the tie might magically appear.

Maxwell chuckles and points to the coffee table, where the tie is neatly laid out. "Right there, Dad. You'd forget your head if it wasn't attached, wouldn't you?" He teases, playfully ruffling his father's hair.

His father laughs, relief washing over his face. "You're a lifesaver, Maxwell. I don't know what I'd do without you."

As they share a warm moment, Maxwell's heart swells with gratitude. He realizes that his newfound sense of purpose isn't just about spreading happiness to others, but also about appreciating the people and moments that make his life richer.

"Now there,let's get you both to school!"
His father says. As they hurry out the door, Maxwell grabs his backpack and Carl's hand, feeling like a responsible big brother. His father ushers them into the car, and they set off on the familiar route to school.

During the drive, Maxwell gazes out the window, watching the houses and buildings blur by. He feels a sense of excitement and anticipation, wondering what the day will bring. Will he see Happiness again? Will he have a chance to spread some joy to his classmates?

As they approach the school, Maxwell's thoughts are interrupted by Carl's giggles. His little brother is playing with the car's window buttons, making the glass slide up and down with glee. Maxwell chuckles and ruffles Carl's hair, feeling grateful for this special bond they share.

When they arrive at the school, Maxwell's father gives them both a quick hug and a kiss on the forehead. "Have a great day, boys! Learn lots and make me proud!" He says, before driving off with a wave.

Maxwell watches the car disappear around the corner, feeling a sense of independence wash over him. He turns to Carl and grins. "Time for school, little bro! Let's go learn some cool stuff!"

On the other side of the school,a boy around the same age as Maxwell was kicking and purposely tripping people.

***

"Another one bites the dust." Happiness clicks her tongue,and focuses on the screen,"Let's see what Maxwell does."

***

The boy, with a mischievous glint in his eye, seemed to take great pleasure in causing chaos and mayhem. He was a bit taller and leaner than Maxwell, with a messy mop of brown hair and a perpetual scowl on his face.

As Maxwell watched, the boy tripped a girl carrying a stack of books, sending them scattering all over the floor. The girl's face fell, and she looked on the verge of tears. The boy, instead of apologizing, let out a loud guffaw and continued on his way, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

Maxwell's instincts told him to intervene, but he hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to get involved in someone else's drama, especially not on a day when he was feeling so positive and carefree. But as he looked at the girl, who was now struggling to pick up her books, he knew he had to do something.

Maxwell approaches the boy, who is now leaning against a locker, looking pleased with himself. "Hey, what's going on here?" Maxwell asks, his tone firm but friendly.

The boy glares at him, his eyes narrowing. "Mind your own business, Maxwell."

Maxwell holds his ground, refusing to back down. "I am minding my own business. I'm making sure everyone has a good day, including you."

The boy snorts. "You think you're some kind of hero or something?"

Maxwell shrugs. "I'm just trying to make a difference. I'm spreading happiness and kindness around."

The boy looks skeptical, but Maxwell can see a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. "So, what's the point of all this happiness and kindness stuff?" he asks, his tone a little softer.

Maxwell grins. "The point is to make the world a better place, one small act at a time. And it starts with us, with the choices we make every day."

The boy looks thoughtful, and for a moment, Maxwell sees a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this young troublemaker is ready to change his ways and start spreading some happiness of his own.

As they walk to their class, shoulder to shoulder, Maxwell can't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. He's made a difference in someone's life, and it feels amazing.

Meanwhile, Happiness is watching from the headquarters, a beaming smile on her face. She's incredibly proud of Maxwell, and the way he's taken it upon himself to spread joy and kindness to those around him.

"Oh, Maxwell, you're doing it!" she exclaims, clapping her hands together in excitement. "You're making a difference, one small act at a time!"

Maxwell looks up, knowing that she must be watching him, and can't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her. She's been his guide, his mentor, and his friend, and he couldn't have done it without her.

The young boy, now walking beside Maxwell, looks up at him with a newfound respect. "Thanks, Maxwell," he says, his voice a little softer. "I didn't realize how much my actions were affecting others."

Maxwell nods, smiling. "We all have the power to make a difference, my friend. And it starts with the choices we make every day."

Happiness smiles and her chest swells with pride as she looks at the change she has created. Although her world is not only filled of happiness but also darkness...

[A/N- The eighth musical prompt is used in the form of a dialogue said by Happiness."Another one bites the dust" tells us about the young boy who was unknowingly following Maxwell's footsteps(bites the dust). I hope you liked the chapter! The next chapter will be from Happiness pov. Stay tuned!]