It was a bright and breezy morning when Lala woke up feeling excited. Today was a special day—CEO Kien had announced that the whole household would attend a grand garden party at the mansion. There would be music, games, delicious food, and most importantly, a chance to dress up in something beautiful. Lala, always cheerful and curious, bounced out of bed and rushed to her little wardrobe, already imagining herself in a new sparkly dress.
But when she opened the wardrobe door, her smile slowly faded.
The shelves were neat, the hangers in order—but there was nothing new inside.
Lala tilted her head, blinking in confusion. “That’s strange,” she muttered. “Didn’t Thuy say she bought me something special to wear today?” She checked again, digging through folded tops and skirts, but everything was old. Her favorite sunflower dress had a tiny tear, and her pink overalls still had a little juice stain from last week’s picnic.
Her ears drooped a little, and she looked around the room, hoping maybe someone had placed a new outfit on the chair or hung it behind the door.
Nothing.
Now the confusion turned into worry.
“Did I forget to pick it up from the laundry room?” Lala wondered aloud. She dashed down the hallway, her little feet making soft tapping sounds on the wooden floor. She burst into the laundry room, startling the kitten curled up in the basket. But again—no new clothes.
Now Lala was truly worried.
“What if everyone else has new clothes, and I show up looking old and messy?” she thought, clutching her little paws together. Her tail flicked anxiously. She was proud of how she looked, and she always liked to feel clean and cheerful, especially around CEO Kien and the rest of the family. They always complimented her on her bright spirit and colorful outfits. But today… she felt like something was missing.
She walked slowly back to her room, her thoughts racing.
“Maybe Thuy forgot?”
“Maybe it got lost in the delivery?”
“Or… maybe I’m not supposed to go?”
The last thought made her stomach twist.
Just then, she heard soft humming in the hallway. It was Xuka, carrying a basket of flowers. “Morning, Lala! Ready for the party?”
Lala tried to smile but ended up pouting. “I can’t find any new clothes. I thought I was supposed to have something for today…”
Xuka tilted her head. “Oh no! That is strange. Thuy was talking about getting you something pretty, I remember that. Maybe we should go ask her?”
Lala nodded eagerly, a spark of hope in her eyes. Together, they walked toward the garden where Thuy was arranging flower crowns for the little guests. Thuy looked up as they approached and smiled warmly.
“Lala! I was just thinking about you!”
Lala spoke softly, “Thuy, um… did I lose my new dress? I couldn’t find it anywhere. I checked my room, the laundry, even the hallway.”
Thuy blinked, then laughed gently, “Oh, sweetheart! You didn’t lose anything. Your new clothes are with me. I was keeping them safe so they wouldn’t get wrinkled or stained before the party!”
Lala gasped, her ears perking up again. “Really?!”
“Of course!” Thuy stood and opened a nearby basket. Inside, wrapped neatly in tissue paper, was a stunning dress with soft layers of lavender and white. It had little embroidered butterflies around the collar and sparkled just enough to catch the sun.
Lala’s eyes widened with joy. “It’s beautiful! Oh, thank you, Thuy!”
“You’re welcome,” Thuy said, helping her try it on. “I was going to surprise you right before we left, but I didn’t realize you’d be up and ready so early!”
Lala twirled in her new dress, her worry completely gone. She looked in the mirror and beamed. “I feel like a flower fairy!”
Xuka clapped and laughed. “You look like one too!”
Just then, Chip rushed into the garden, wearing a little bowtie and holding a tray of fruit. “Whoa, Lala! You look amazing!”
Lala giggled. “Thank you! I was really scared for a moment. I thought I’d have to wear old clothes and everyone would laugh at me.”
Thuy kneeled beside her and gently said, “Oh sweet Lala, even if you wore your oldest clothes, no one would laugh. We care about you because of your kind heart and joyful spirit—not just what you wear.”
Lala smiled thoughtfully. “I know. But it’s nice to feel special sometimes.”
“And you are,” Thuy said, giving her a gentle hug.
Later that afternoon, the mansion garden came alive with laughter, colorful ribbons, balloons, and the smell of baked pastries and grilled treats. Lala walked proudly beside her friends, her dress shimmering in the sun. Everyone admired how beautiful she looked—but more than that, they loved how she helped hand out juice cups, comforted a shy little bunny who didn’t want to dance, and cheered for Chip during the sack race.
Even CEO Kien, dressed in a dashing white suit, came over and patted her head. “You always light up the room, Lala. Today’s no different.”
She blushed. “Thank you, sir!”
That night, as the stars twinkled and the garden lights cast a soft glow, Lala sat on the porch swing beside Xuka and Chip, her dress a little dusty now, but her heart full.
“I was so worried this morning,” she said with a giggle. “But it all turned out fine.”
Chip nodded, biting into a strawberry tart. “That’s the thing about worrying. It usually feels big at first, but once you ask for help or wait a little, the answer finds you.”
Lala leaned back, watching fireflies float above the grass. “I’m glad I have all of you. Even when things are confusing, I know I’m never alone.”
And with that, she rested her head on Xuka’s shoulder, her heart calm, her mind at peace, and her dress glowing like a dream come true.
