The Emotional Shift: Raina, after a difficult period of dealing with the aftermath of her accident, finds herself able to laugh again, albeit with a slight awkwardness. She realizes that she's learned to live with her insecurities and that while her life is different, it doesn't have to be defined by her accident.
Reconciliation and Moving On: Raina finds a renewed sense of connection with her friends and family, particularly with her sister, who understands her struggle. They have a more open and honest relationship, and Raina feels less alone.
Acceptance of Imperfection: The ending shows Raina accepting her scars and her imperfections. While she still has insecurities, she's learned to embrace them as part of who she is. This signifies a step forward in her journey of self-acceptance.
Finding Happiness: The final panels show Raina smiling again, not in a forced way, but genuinely. She's found a sense of peace and happiness within herself, even though she's carrying the baggage of her past.
The Power of Time and Growth: The denouement emphasizes how time heals, and how personal growth can occur even amidst painful experiences. Raina doesn't forget her trauma, but she learns to live with it, and her experience helps her to be more compassionate and understanding of others.
Ambiguity and Hope: While "Smile" doesn't offer a definitive "happy ending," it ends on a note of hope. It leaves the reader with a sense that Raina is on the right path, that she has learned valuable lessons, and that her future is bright.
Overall, the denouement of "Smile" is not a grand finale, but a quiet, meaningful conclusion that underscores the importance of resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of finding happiness despite challenges.