Today was a day Monkey Lyly had been dreading. Her little heart felt heavy as she sat quietly on the doorstep of the home she had loved for so long. Everything around her was familiar — the old mango tree she used to climb, the crack in the wall near the kitchen window, and the gentle breeze that always carried the smell of blooming jasmine. But today, it all felt different. Today, she had to say goodbye.
Lyly’s family was moving to a new place, far away from the cozy neighborhood she had grown up in. The decision was made quickly, and while everyone else was busy packing boxes and loading the truck, Lyly wandered from room to room, touching walls and corners like she was saying goodbye to old friends.
Outside, a few neighbors had gathered to see her off. Mr. Tien, who always gave her bananas, waved sadly from his porch. Little Mai, Lyly’s favorite playmate, ran up and hugged her tightly, tears welling up in both their eyes. Even the neighborhood cats, usually indifferent to Lyly’s antics, sat nearby as if they, too, understood something was changing.
“Don’t forget us,” Mai whispered. Lyly sniffled and nodded, pulling out one of her tiny drawings from her satchel — a picture of them playing together. She handed it to Mai with a shaky smile.
As the final box was packed and the car door opened, Lyly took one last look at the home she loved — the garden she played in, the windows she peeked out of, and the laughter that echoed through the walls. Her heart ached, but she knew memories would keep the place alive in her heart.
With a final wave to her neighbors and a soft “goodbye,” Lyly climbed into the car. As it drove away, she pressed her face to the window, watching her old world fade into the distance — holding onto the hope that one day, she might return to visit.
