The morning sun peeked gently through the curtains as Lala slowly opened her eyes. She stretched her tiny arms, yawned softly, and turned to the side where Thuy always lay. But today, the space beside her was cold and empty. Confused, she sat up quickly, her soft bunny ears flopping forward. “Thuy?” she whispered, looking around the room.
There was no answer.
Her big eyes welled up with tears. “Thuy?” she called again, louder this time, her voice trembling. The room was too quiet. No sound of Thuy’s laughter, no warm hug, no cheerful morning greeting. Just silence.
Lala’s lower lip began to quiver. “Where are you, Thuy?” she sobbed, hugging her favorite pillow. She slid off the bed and padded across the room on her small feet, checking under the table, behind the curtain, and even inside the closet. Nothing. The worry in her heart grew bigger with each passing moment.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she curled up in a corner, clutching Thuy’s scarf to her chest. It still smelled like her—a little bit like sunshine, flowers, and the soft scent of home. “Don’t leave me…” Lala whispered.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Lala looked up, eyes wide.
“Lala!” came a familiar voice. It was Thuy, holding a tray with warm pancakes and juice. “I just went to make you breakfast. I didn’t want to wake you.”
Lala’s tears burst again, but this time from relief. She ran into Thuy’s arms and held her tight. “I thought you were gone,” she cried.
Thuy knelt and kissed Lala’s forehead. “I’ll never leave you without saying goodbye. I promise.”
Lala sniffled, wiping her eyes. “Okay… but next time, wake me up.”
Thuy smiled. “Deal. Now, let’s eat before the pancakes get cold.”
Together, they sat by the window, the morning light warming their hearts. Lala smiled again, her sadness gone—because Thuy was right there where she belonged.
