The sun shone brightly over the green hills, and the breeze danced gently through the trees as Lala played by the garden, her favorite place in the whole wide world. She was chasing butterflies, jumping between the flower beds, and humming her favorite little tune. Yet, deep inside her heart, Lala felt a tiny emptiness that no sunshine or flowers could fully fill. It had been many days since she had last seen Mom Lan Anh, and she missed her dearly.
Every evening, as the stars blinked into the sky, Lala would sit on the porch and look out toward the road, hoping to see a familiar figure walking toward the house. But each night, it was only the moon and the quiet whisper of the wind that kept her company.
“Maybe tomorrow,” Lala whispered to herself with a hopeful smile.
What Lala didn’t know was that today, something special was about to happen—something that would bring back the light in her eyes and fill her heart with joy.
That morning, CEO Kien had been unusually busy. He made a secret phone call, then whispered something to Thuy. Both smiled mysteriously. Lala noticed it but didn’t think too much of it. She thought maybe they were planning another picnic or a visit to the farm.
After lunch, Thuy asked Lala to help water the plants while she and Kien “went to get something from the village.” Lala agreed, though she was a little puzzled why both had to go. Still, she loved helping in the garden. She carefully watered the sunflowers, roses, and tomatoes, all while singing a soft lullaby she had learned from Mom Lan Anh.
Suddenly, while watering the basil, Lala heard a voice—soft, sweet, and deeply familiar.
“Lala… my dear!”
Lala froze. Her ears twitched, her heart raced, and the watering can dropped from her hand with a soft splash.
“Could it be?” she whispered, turning around slowly.
And there she was—Mom Lan Anh, standing under the cherry blossom tree with a warm smile and open arms!
Lala gasped and then burst into the happiest squeal ever. “MOM LAN ANH!!!”
She ran faster than she ever had, tears already glistening in her eyes. Mom Lan Anh knelt down just in time to catch her in a tight, loving embrace.
“I missed you so much!” Lala cried, wrapping her arms around her mom.
“I missed you too, my sweet girl,” Lan Anh whispered as she gently stroked Lala’s hair. “Every single day.”
The two stayed in that warm embrace for what felt like forever. It was as if time had paused to let them enjoy this long-awaited reunion. Birds chirped joyfully in the background, and even the sun seemed to shine brighter.
Later, CEO Kien and Thuy returned, pretending to be surprised.
“Oh, what a surprise!” Kien chuckled. “What’s going on here?”
Lala turned with the biggest smile on her face. “Look! Mom Lan Anh is back! She came home!”
Thuy giggled, “She really missed you, so we brought her back as a surprise!”
Lala rushed to hug both of them. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
The afternoon turned into a celebration. They all sat in the garden under the shade of the big tree. There were fruits, juice, and even a surprise strawberry cake that Thuy had secretly made. Lala shared all the stories of what she had done while Mom Lan Anh was away—helping on the farm, learning to cook with Thuy, and building a bamboo chair with CEO Kien.
Lan Anh listened with loving eyes, laughing, nodding, and sometimes tearing up as she saw how much Lala had grown and learned.
“I’m so proud of you,” she said, holding Lala’s hand. “You’ve become so strong, smart, and kind.”
“I tried my best,” Lala beamed. “But… I missed your hugs the most.”
“Now you can have as many as you want,” Lan Anh smiled.
That night, back at home, Lan Anh tucked Lala into bed. The room felt warmer and more peaceful than it had in days.
“Will you stay this time?” Lala asked, her voice soft and hopeful.
Lan Anh smiled, brushing hair from Lala’s forehead. “Yes, sweetie. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere for a long time.”
Lala sighed with relief, her heart full.
“I love you, Mom,” she whispered as her eyes began to close.
“I love you more than the stars in the sky,” Lan Anh whispered back, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
And with that, Lala drifted off into the most peaceful sleep, her dreams filled with sunshine, music, and the comforting warmth of being with Mom Lan Anh again.
It had been many days apart, but love had brought them back together. And for Lala, this was the happiest day she had ever known.
