The kitchen was warm and filled with the smell of steamed rice and sautéed vegetables. It wasn’t a fancy dinner—just a simple meal made with whatever was fresh from the garden. But to Lala, it was perfect. She sat at the little table, swinging her legs happily as Mom placed two bowls in front of them.
Tonight’s dinner was rice, a bit of egg, some greens they had picked together that morning, and a small bowl of soup. There were no fancy sauces, no big portions—just honest food, prepared with care. But the way Mom smiled as she handed Lala her spoon made the meal feel like a feast.
Lala took her first bite and looked up with wide eyes. “Mmm! Mama, it’s so good!” she said, her voice full of joy. Mom chuckled and gently patted her head. “It’s even better when we make it together.”
As they ate, they talked about their day—how Lala helped water the plants, how the kittens played with the falling leaves, and how the clouds looked like floating animals. Every little story was shared between bites, every laugh made the food taste a little richer.
Mom occasionally paused to refill Lala’s bowl, making sure she had enough. And Lala, in turn, offered her mom the last piece of egg from her plate. “For you, Mama,” she said with a smile.
There were no distractions—no phones, no TV—just the sound of spoons against bowls and the gentle rhythm of a mother and daughter enjoying their time together.
When the meal was done, Lala helped wash the dishes, splashing a little water and giggling as Mom handed her a towel. The day ended with full bellies and even fuller hearts.
That night, Lala whispered as she got tucked into bed, “Mama, dinner was my favorite part today.” And her mom smiled, kissed her forehead, and whispered back, “Mine too, sweetheart. Because we shared it together.”
A simple meal, made with love, became a memory they’d both treasure forever.
