It was early morning, and the sun had just begun to peek through the curtains. The warm golden light poured into the living room, painting everything in a soft glow. Lala, the playful little monkey with big curious eyes, was sitting on Kien’s lap, snuggling into his shirt. She didn’t yet know that today was going to be a little different.
Kien gently stroked her fur and whispered, “Lala, I have to go away for a few days. I’ll be on a business trip, so I won’t be able to take care of you for a while.”
Lala tilted her head, not quite understanding. But when she saw the small suitcase near the door, her little heart seemed to sense something. She clung to Kien’s arm and let out a soft whimper, as if saying, Please don’t go.
Dad Quan entered the room with a warm smile. “Don’t worry, Lala. You’ll be staying with me while Kien is away. We’re going to have fun together.”
But Lala wasn’t convinced. She buried her face deeper into Kien’s shirt, gripping his hand with her tiny fingers. She had grown used to their daily routine — morning cuddles, breakfast with fresh fruit, playful afternoons in the yard, and sleepy evenings curled up next to him. The thought of not having him there made her uneasy.
Kien lifted her gently, bringing her to eye level. “Hey, little one,” he said softly, “I promise I’ll be back soon. You’ll be safe and happy with Dad Quan. He’s going to take great care of you.”
Lala blinked at him, still pouting, but then Kien kissed her forehead and smiled. “We’ll talk every day, okay?”
After a few more cuddles, it was time for Kien to leave. Lala clung to him one last time, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck as if to hold on forever. Kien held her close, inhaling the familiar scent of her soft fur, then slowly passed her into Dad Quan’s arms.
“Be good, Lala,” Kien said, his voice gentle but firm. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
The front door closed behind him, and the sound of his footsteps faded away. Lala watched from the window as Kien walked down the street with his suitcase. Her little chest rose and fell quickly, and she gave a small, sad chirp. Dad Quan put a reassuring hand on her back.
“It’s okay, Lala,” he said. “Let’s make today a good one.”
The first few hours were quiet. Lala sat on the couch, glancing now and then at the door as if expecting Kien to walk back in. Dad Quan decided it was time to cheer her up.
“Come on, Lala,” he said, “how about a banana smoothie?”
At the word banana, Lala’s ears perked up. She followed him into the kitchen, watching curiously as he peeled bananas, poured milk, and added a drizzle of honey. When the blender roared to life, Lala jumped back, startled, then crept closer, peeking inside.
Soon, Dad Quan poured the smoothie into a glass and set a small cup aside for her. Lala took a sip, her face lighting up. This isn’t so bad, she seemed to think.
In the afternoon, Dad Quan took her out to the garden. The weather was perfect — warm with a gentle breeze. Lala scampered around, sniffing flowers and chasing butterflies. For a moment, she forgot her sadness.
Quan sat on the porch, watching her play. “That’s my girl,” he murmured. “Kien would be happy to see you smiling.”
They played a game of “catch the ball,” with Lala tossing it back to him in her own clumsy but enthusiastic way. Whenever she caught it, she’d give a little triumphant squeak.
Evening approached, and the house grew quiet again. Lala sat by the window, looking out at the fading sky. Dad Quan knew this was the time she missed Kien the most.
“Lala,” he called gently, holding up Kien’s shirt. “Look what I found.”
The moment she saw it, Lala bounded over and hugged the shirt tightly, breathing in the familiar scent. She curled up with it on the couch, looking a little more at peace.
Before bed, Quan set up a video call with Kien. The moment his face appeared on the screen, Lala’s whole demeanor changed. Her eyes widened, and she began making happy little noises, reaching toward the phone.
“Lala!” Kien laughed. “I miss you, too. Are you being good for Dad Quan?”
Lala turned to glance at Quan, then back at Kien, as if to say, Yes… but I still want you here.
They “talked” for a few minutes, with Kien promising to come back soon. After the call, Lala curled up next to Dad Quan, holding Kien’s shirt close.
The next few days passed in a rhythm.
Day One: Lala helped Dad Quan in the kitchen, stealing bits of fruit and nibbling them with glee.
Day Two: They took a walk in the park, where Lala explored every corner, climbing small trees and meeting curious children who giggled at her antics.
Day Three: Quan introduced her to a new toy — a puzzle feeder. It took her a while to figure out how to get the treats inside, but when she finally succeeded, she looked incredibly proud of herself.
By the end of the third day, Lala seemed more relaxed, even playful. She still missed Kien, but she had begun to trust that Dad Quan could keep her safe and happy.
Finally, the day came when Kien returned.
The sound of the front door unlocking made Lala’s ears twitch. She darted toward it, her little feet pattering against the floor. The moment the door swung open and Kien stepped in, Lala let out an excited squeal and leaped into his arms.
Kien laughed, holding her tightly. “I missed you so much, little one!”
Lala clung to him, nuzzling his cheek, her tail flicking happily. Dad Quan watched with a smile, glad to see the joyful reunion.
“You two are impossible,” Quan chuckled. “But I have to admit, it was nice having her around.”
Kien looked at Lala, then at Dad Quan. “Thanks for taking care of her. I knew she’d be safe with you.”
Lala, still in Kien’s arms, looked between them, her eyes bright. It was as if she was saying, I love you both, but I’m so happy you’re back.
That night, Lala curled up in her usual spot next to Kien, finally at peace. She had learned that even when someone she loved had to leave, there were still people who cared for her and made her feel safe until they came back.
And maybe, just maybe, she realized that saying goodbye didn’t mean goodbye forever.
