The morning began quietly in the small, sunlit house. Birds chirped outside, and the gentle smell of jasmine drifted through the windows. Inside, Mom was preparing breakfast, humming softly while arranging bowls of steaming porridge on the table. Lala, usually cheerful and curious, was already awake, her bright eyes shining as she waited for the day’s surprises.
But today felt different. Lala noticed something she couldn’t ignore: Mom’s attention seemed to be centered on Bon, the new little puppy who had recently joined the family.
Bon, with his fluffy golden fur and clumsy little paws, had been found by Mom near the edge of the market, shivering in the rain. Mom brought him home out of kindness, wrapped him in a towel, and whispered soothing words to him. From that moment, it seemed to Lala that Bon had stolen a large piece of Mom’s heart.
Lala had always been Mom’s little shadow—the one who helped pick vegetables in the garden, the one who sat on Mom’s lap during storytime, the one who received gentle pats before bedtime. But now, every time she turned around, Mom’s arms were full of Bon.
That morning, as Mom poured warm milk into a little bowl for Bon and stroked his head, Lala’s heart boiled with jealousy.
“Mom never stroked me like that this morning,” Lala thought angrily. She crossed her arms and frowned, kicking her little feet against the chair.
Mom noticed but misunderstood. “Lala, please wait patiently. I’ll serve your porridge in just a minute,” she said kindly.
But that only made things worse. To Lala, it sounded like she was second place—Bon first, Lala second. Her cheeks grew hot, her chest tight. She slammed her spoon on the table.
“Why does Bon get everything first? Why do you love him more than me?” she shouted, her voice trembling.
Mom blinked, surprised. “Lala, that’s not true. I love you very much.”
But Lala didn’t believe it. With tears stinging her eyes, she pushed away her bowl, stomped her little feet, and ran out the door before Mom could stop her.
The morning air outside was still cool, carrying the smell of wet grass from last night’s rain. Lala ran as fast as her legs would take her, her mind a storm of anger and hurt. She didn’t know exactly where she was going—only that she wanted to be as far away from Bon and Mom as possible.
“I’ll show them,” she muttered between sniffles. “If they love Bon so much, then they don’t need me.”
She passed the garden, the mango tree she used to climb with Mom’s help, and the little pond where she often threw pebbles. Each place reminded her of happy moments she thought she might never have again. The world suddenly felt emptier, colder.
Eventually, she reached the edge of the village, where the tall bamboo swayed gently in the wind. She sat on a rock, hugging her knees, and let the tears roll down her cheeks.
Back at home, Mom realized what had happened. She saw the half-eaten porridge, the open door, and the tiny footprints leading away. Her heart sank.
“Oh no, Lala!” she cried, gathering Bon into her arms. She didn’t blame her daughter—she knew Lala’s feelings had been hurt, and jealousy could sting deeply, especially for someone so young.
Mom set Bon down gently in the yard, asking him to stay, then hurried after the footprints. She searched through the garden, the pond, and finally toward the bamboo grove.
Meanwhile, Lala sat alone, watching ants march across the soil. She sniffled and whispered, “Maybe Mom really doesn’t care about me anymore.”
But as she sat there, a rustling sound came from the grass. To her surprise, Bon came bounding toward her, wagging his little tail, his tongue hanging out happily. Somehow, he had followed her, even though Mom had asked him to stay behind.
Lala frowned. “Why did you come? Go back! You’re the reason Mom doesn’t love me anymore!”
But Bon didn’t listen. Instead, he climbed onto her lap clumsily and licked her hands, whining softly as if he understood her sadness. His warmth and silly persistence made Lala’s chest loosen just a little. She tried to push him away but couldn’t help giggling when his tiny tongue tickled her.
At that moment, Mom appeared, panting from the run. Her face was filled with worry, but when she saw Lala safe, relief washed over her.
“Lala!” Mom cried, rushing to her side. She knelt down and wrapped her arms around both Lala and Bon.
But Lala twisted away, still upset. “You love Bon more than me! That’s why I left!”
Mom’s eyes softened. She took Lala’s hands and spoke gently. “Oh, my dear, you are wrong. I love you more than words can say. Bon is just a baby who needs extra care right now, but that doesn’t mean my heart has less space for you. A mother’s love doesn’t get smaller when she shares it—it grows bigger.”
Lala looked at her uncertainly, tears glistening in her eyes. “But… you give him so much attention.”
Mom nodded. “Yes, because he cannot feed himself, or wash himself, or tell me when he’s hungry. But you—you are my helper, my sunshine. You are the one I trust to love Bon too. Don’t you see? You’re not being replaced. You’re being asked to share in something very special.”
Lala thought about that. She glanced at Bon, who was still curled in her lap, looking up at her with innocent eyes. Slowly, her jealousy softened into curiosity.
“So… you want me to help take care of Bon?”
Mom smiled and kissed her forehead. “Yes. I want you to be his sister, his protector. Together, we can make him feel safe. But no one—no one—could ever take your place in my heart.”
Finally, Lala’s frown melted into a shaky smile. She hugged Mom tightly, pressing her cheek into her shoulder. “I’m sorry I ran away.”
Mom stroked her hair. “It’s okay, my little one. Thank you for telling me how you feel. I’ll always listen.”
The three of them walked home together, Lala holding Mom’s hand while Bon trotted happily beside them. That evening, as the sun dipped low and painted the sky orange and pink, Lala sat with Bon on her lap while Mom read them both a story.
This time, Lala didn’t feel left out. She felt important, needed, and deeply loved. She even whispered to Bon, “You can stay. But don’t forget—I was here first!”
Bon barked softly as if agreeing, and Lala laughed, her heart lighter than it had been all day.
From that moment, jealousy faded into something new: responsibility, pride, and the joy of sharing love. And though storms of emotion might come again, Lala knew one thing for certain—Mom’s love was endless, strong enough for them all.
