Diem is Curious About New Things When Going to the Market with Dad
It was a bright and breezy Saturday morning when Diem eagerly held her father’s hand, ready for their little adventure to the market. This wasn’t just any market trip — it was Diem’s first time tagging along, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity from the moment they stepped out the door.
As they approached the bustling stalls, Diem’s head turned in every direction, taking in the vibrant colors, the variety of sounds, and the mix of delicious smells. She tugged gently at her dad’s shirt, pointing at a vendor tossing rice paper in the air, asking, “What’s that, Dad?” With a smile, her father bent down to explain, telling her how bánh tráng was made and how people often eat it with shrimp or mango.
At the fruit stand, Diem was fascinated by dragon fruit and rambutans. “These look like they come from another planet!” she giggled, touching them with wide eyes. Her dad let her pick out her favorite fruits, and she chose bananas because they reminded her of Monkey Kaka.
They passed by the fish vendor, where live catfish wriggled in tubs. Diem squealed in surprise, then crouched down to watch them swim. “Do they like living in there?” she asked thoughtfully. Her father chuckled and said, “Well, they’re just waiting to be someone’s dinner tonight.”
Each stall brought something new — colorful fabrics, woven baskets, fragrant herbs. Diem asked questions about everything: “Why is that chili red and that one green?”, “What’s this leafy thing?”, “Can we buy something for Mom?”
Before heading home, her dad bought her a small bag of sweet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. As they sat on a bench, sharing bites, Diem smiled and said, “This is the best day.”
That market trip wasn’t just a chore anymore — it was a journey of discovery for Diem. Her childlike wonder turned the everyday into something magical, and her dad couldn’t have been prouder to see the world through her curious little eyes.
