Lala had been feeling lonely for quite some time. Her days were spent waiting by the window, watching the world go by, hoping for a moment of attention from Dad Quan. He had been incredibly busy lately, always rushing in and out of the house, barely sparing her a glance. Lala tried to be patient, but her heart ached for the warmth of his care.
Dad Quan was a hardworking man. He ran a small but thriving restaurant in the neighborhood, and the demands of running a business left him exhausted at the end of each day. Though he loved Lala dearly, he often found himself too preoccupied to notice the subtle changes in her demeanor. He had failed to see the way her usual energy had dwindled or how her eyes, once bright with excitement, had dimmed with longing.
One evening, as Dad Quan was closing up the restaurant, he found himself thinking about Lala. He recalled the way she had looked at him that morning, her golden fur ruffled as she lay curled up on her favorite mat by the door. Something about her expression tugged at his heart. He suddenly realized that he had been so caught up in work that he had neglected the one who always waited for him without fail.
Determined to make it up to her, he rushed home earlier than usual. As he opened the door, he called out, “Lala! I’m home!” To his surprise, there was no enthusiastic bark or wagging tail. Instead, Lala lifted her head slowly, blinking at him with tired eyes. Dad Quan’s heart sank.
He knelt beside her and gently ran his fingers through her fur. “Have you not been feeling well, my dear?” he murmured, guilt washing over him. Lala leaned into his touch, her body relaxing for the first time in days.
Without hesitation, Dad Quan decided that tonight would be all about Lala. He scooped her up gently and carried her to the kitchen. “How about a special dinner, hmm? You deserve it.” Lala’s ears perked up slightly at the sound of food, though she was still too weary to wag her tail.
Dad Quan prepared a nutritious meal—fresh chicken, a bit of rice, and some broth. He watched as Lala hesitated at first but then slowly began to eat. Relief filled his chest as he saw her appetite returning.
After dinner, he carefully wiped her paws and fur with a warm towel, making sure she was comfortable. Then, he carried her to the couch and sat with her, gently stroking her fur. “I’m so sorry, Lala,” he whispered. “I should have paid more attention to you. From now on, I’ll take better care of you.”
Lala, as if understanding his words, nestled closer to him, her tail giving a small, slow wag. The warmth of his embrace filled the emptiness she had felt for days.
The following morning, Dad Quan woke up with Lala curled up beside him, her soft breathing a soothing rhythm. He smiled and made a silent promise to never let his busy life overshadow the love and care his loyal companion deserved. From that day on, no matter how hectic life became, Dad Quan always made time for Lala. And in return, she continued to be his most faithful and loving friend.
