The sun had barely risen when the birds began chirping outside Uncle Phong’s little garden house. The morning dew sparkled on the leaves, and a soft breeze rustled through the rows of vegetables and flowers that lined the backyard. It was a perfect morning for gardening—and for a little adventure.
Bibi, a curious and cheerful girl of seven, was staying with her Uncle Phong for the weekend. Uncle Phong was known around the village for his green thumb. His garden was the pride of the neighborhood, full of colorful flowers, crunchy cucumbers, plump tomatoes, and tall stalks of sweet corn. Bibi loved visiting him, not just because of the juicy fruits she got to eat, but also because she loved being in the garden, where everything felt alive.
That morning, as Bibi rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched, she noticed Uncle Phong already out in the yard, his straw hat tilted against the sun and a watering can in his hand.
“Good morning, Uncle Phong!” Bibi called, running toward him barefoot.
“Good morning, little gardener,” he replied with a warm smile. “Did you sleep well?”
Bibi nodded. “I had a dream that your tomatoes grew so big they turned into watermelons!”
Uncle Phong chuckled. “Well, that would be something! Speaking of tomatoes, they could use a little drink. Would you like to help me water the plants today?”
Bibi’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please!”
Uncle Phong handed her a smaller watering can, perfectly sized for her tiny hands. “Remember, not too much water. Just enough so the soil feels like a wrung-out sponge.”
Bibi listened carefully. She admired how Uncle Phong treated each plant like a friend, speaking to them softly and checking on their leaves. He taught her how to recognize thirsty plants and how to avoid watering the ones that had had enough.
Together, they walked from bed to bed. Bibi followed Uncle Phong’s lead, crouching down to feel the soil and gently pouring water around the roots of each plant.
“This one is a baby zucchini,” Uncle Phong said, pointing to a leafy green plant with thick stems. “And over here, we have the chili peppers. Be careful not to touch the leaves too much—chili plants are a little sensitive.”
Bibi was careful, tiptoeing around the patch like a little ballerina. “They look spicy,” she said seriously.
“Oh, they are,” Uncle Phong winked.
As the sun climbed higher, the garden began to warm. Bees buzzed lazily around the flowerbeds, and butterflies fluttered through the morning air. Bibi didn’t mind the heat—she was having too much fun. Every time she poured water on the soil, she imagined the plants sighing with relief.
When they reached the row of tomatoes, Uncle Phong knelt beside one of the bushes. “Look at this one,” he said, gently lifting a vine. “Almost ready to pick.”
Bibi leaned in. “They look like little red lanterns!”
“You’ve got a good eye,” said Uncle Phong. “Maybe next time you can help me harvest.”
Bibi beamed. “I’d love that!”
After nearly an hour of watering and checking on each bed, they reached the final patch—bright marigolds dancing in the breeze. Bibi gave them their drink and stepped back, placing her hands on her hips proudly.
“All done!” she declared.
Uncle Phong clapped his hands softly. “Excellent job, Bibi. You were so careful and patient. The garden is very lucky to have your help.”
Bibi smiled, feeling proud. She sat down on the wooden bench under a shady tree, wiping a bit of dirt from her cheek.
Uncle Phong disappeared into the house for a moment and returned carrying a small wooden tray. On it was a tall glass of freshly squeezed mango juice, a slice of warm banana bread, and a shiny silver spoon beside a bowl of something Bibi didn’t recognize right away.
“What’s that?” she asked curiously, pointing to the bowl.
Uncle Phong grinned. “This, my dear assistant, is your reward: sticky rice with coconut milk and ripe mango slices. It’s a special treat I saved just for you.”
Bibi’s eyes widened. “Really? For me?”
“For you,” he said, placing the tray on the table beside her. “You worked hard today. It’s only fair that the best gardener gets the best treat.”
Bibi carefully picked up the spoon and took her first bite. Her face lit up. The warm, creamy rice melted in her mouth, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the mango.
“Mmm! This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten!” she exclaimed.
“I’m glad you like it,” Uncle Phong chuckled, sipping his tea beside her. “In this house, good work is always followed by good food.”
They sat in peaceful silence, enjoying the delicious reward and the soft sounds of the garden. Bibi watched a butterfly land on the edge of her chair and whispered, “Thank you for the treat, Uncle Phong. And thank you, garden.”
Later that day, as the sun dipped low and the shadows stretched across the lawn, Bibi helped gather the watering cans and put away the tools. She looked back at the rows of happy, hydrated plants and felt a warm sense of satisfaction.
That night, tucked into bed, Bibi yawned and thought about everything she had done. She had learned how to care for living things, to listen closely, and to be patient. She had helped someone she loved, and in return, she had been given not just a delicious reward, but a memory she would treasure forever.
From that day on, every time she visited Uncle Phong, she would ask, “Can I help in the garden again?”
And every time, Uncle Phong would smile and say, “Of course, little gardener.”
