As the first rays of morning sunshine filtered through the open window, little Lala stretched her arms and sat up quietly. The soft chirping of birds and the scent of fresh morning air filled the cozy room. Without needing to be reminded, Lala obediently got out of bed, slipped on her slippers, and tiptoed to the bathroom.
She looked at herself in the mirror with sleepy eyes, then smiled and picked up her toothbrush. With careful little motions, Lala brushed her teeth—up and down, side to side—just like Thuy had taught her. She made a silly face with her foamy mouth and giggled to herself, then rinsed and wiped her face with a clean towel.
With her morning routine done, Lala went to sit by the window. Her favorite part of the morning was watching the neighborhood come alive—motorbikes buzzing by, the smell of breakfast floating through the air, and the cheerful sounds of vendors calling out their goods. But today, she was especially excited. Thuy had gone to the market early, and Lala couldn’t wait to see what she would bring home.
Maybe fresh mangoes? Or some warm sticky rice? Or perhaps something sweet, like sesame candies or her favorite coconut pudding?
She waited patiently, legs swinging gently off the edge of the chair, a little basket already in her lap to help Thuy carry things in. She glanced at the clock. “Almost time,” she whispered.
Then—footsteps! The soft creak of the front gate! Lala jumped up and ran to the door, her face lighting up as she saw Thuy walking in, smiling and holding a big colorful bag full of goodies.
“Good morning, Lala! Were you a good girl today?” Thuy asked.
“I brushed my teeth and waited just like you said!” Lala replied proudly.
Thuy laughed and handed her a small mango wrapped in a leaf. “Then you get the first taste!”
Lala’s heart was full. A simple morning, but full of love, warmth, and the joy of small routines. 💛
