Lala was her usual cheerful self that morning—running around the house, climbing on furniture, and giggling at her favorite stuffed bunny. But by afternoon, something felt off. She had stopped playing, curled up on the couch, and her cheeks looked a little too red. Mom leaned in, touched her forehead, and gasped. “Oh no… you’re burning up, Lala!”
The thermometer confirmed it—Lala had a high fever. Mom’s heart sank. She offered Lala her favorite fruit puree and some water, but Lala turned her head away weakly. That’s when the worry really kicked in. Lala always had a healthy appetite, especially when it came to bananas and rice snacks. Not eating? That was serious.
Mom quickly bundled her up and rushed her to the pediatric clinic. Lala rested her head on Mom’s shoulder, her tiny body warm and limp. In the waiting room, Mom gently rocked her, whispering soothing words, while hiding her growing panic behind a calm smile.
The doctor examined Lala and diagnosed her with a viral infection—common, but still scary when it hit so hard. “Lots of rest, fluids, and love,” the doctor said with a reassuring smile. Mom nodded, relieved it wasn’t anything more serious, but still deeply anxious.
Back at home, Mom turned the living room into a cozy recovery nest. She placed cold compresses on Lala’s forehead, whispered lullabies, and stayed by her side all night, checking her temperature every hour. At one point, Lala opened her eyes, looked up at Mom, and gave a faint smile. That tiny gesture filled Mom with hope.
By the next morning, Lala’s fever had started to come down. She reached for her bunny and sipped a little juice—small signs, but enough to ease Mom’s heart. Slowly, day by day, Lala’s appetite and energy returned.
Through it all, Mom never left her side. And when Lala was finally back to dancing around the house, Mom smiled with tearful eyes, silently grateful for her little fighter’s strength.
