It was a bright, sunny morning at the animal sanctuary, and little Lala the duck was feeling extra playful. She had discovered something new—a shiny red swimming ball floating in the pond! It bounced and bobbed on the water like a cheerful toy just waiting for fun.
But there was one small problem: Thuy, the caretaker, had told Lala she couldn’t swim just yet. The pond was being cleaned earlier that morning, and Thuy wanted to make sure it was safe. “Just a little while longer, Lala,” she had said. “Be patient, okay?”
But patience wasn’t something Lala was very good at.
As soon as Thuy turned her back to feed the rabbits, Lala tiptoed—well, waddled—quietly toward the pond. She peeked around corners, hid behind bushes, and even ducked behind a sleeping cat to avoid being seen. Her little heart raced with excitement.
Finally, she reached the water’s edge. The red swimming ball bobbed up and down, almost like it was inviting her to come play.
With a happy squeak, Lala jumped in!
Splash!
She paddled in circles, bumping the ball with her beak and spinning it around like a game. She quacked with joy, sending little ripples across the pond. She dove under it, pushed it with her head, and floated beside it like it was her best friend.
But fun doesn’t stay secret for long.
From across the yard, Thuy heard the splash and turned just in time to see Lala’s feathers sticking out behind the ball.
“Lala!” Thuy called, running over with a laugh. “You sneaky duck!”
Lala froze for a second… then gave an innocent quack, as if to say, “Who, me?”
Thuy couldn’t help but smile. “Alright,” she said, sitting by the pond. “Since you’re already in, let’s play together.”
And from that day on, the red swimming ball wasn’t just Lala’s favorite toy—it was Thuy and Lala’s special game.
