The morning sun was just beginning to climb above the trees when little Lala followed her mom out to the garden. Her tiny feet pattered against the damp soil, and her eyes lit up at the rows of bright green bean plants swaying gently in the breeze. Today was special—Mom had promised that Lala could help pick the beans for their meal.
With a small basket in hand, Lala crouched beside her mother, carefully tugging at the tender beans until they came free. She giggled each time one snapped off the stem, proud to add it to the growing pile in her basket. “Look, Mama, mine is bigger than yours!” she laughed, holding up a long green bean. Mom smiled warmly, reminding her that every bean, big or small, was a gift from their garden.
By the time the baskets were full, the air carried the rich, earthy scent of freshly picked vegetables. Back inside the cozy kitchen, Lala climbed onto her little stool so she could see the counter. She watched closely as Mom washed the beans, showing her how to remove the ends before placing them in a pot. Lala wanted to help with every step—snapping the beans, stirring gently, even sprinkling in a pinch of salt just as Mom instructed.
As the beans simmered, their bright color and sweet aroma filled the room. Lala clapped her hands in excitement, impatient to taste what they had made together. Soon, Mom added a few more simple ingredients—garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and a handful of herbs from the garden—to create a dish that was both nourishing and delicious.
When the meal was ready, Lala proudly carried her little plate to the table. She took her first bite, eyes sparkling. “It’s so yummy, Mama! We made it!” she exclaimed. Mom’s heart swelled with joy, knowing the lesson was far greater than just cooking—it was about love, teamwork, and the happiness found in simple, shared moments.
That evening, as they ate together, Lala felt like the beans tasted better than anything she had ever tried—because they were seasoned with laughter, love, and her very own helping hands.
