Lala Grilled Delicious Fish Herself for Mom and Bon to Enjoy!

The morning sun peeked through the banana trees, casting warm golden rays across the small yard where little Lala stood with excitement twinkling in her eyes. Today was no ordinary day — Lala had made up her mind to surprise her beloved Mom and younger brother Bon with a delicious grilled fish lunch, all by herself!

Lala was only eight years old, but she was known in her village for being unusually curious, bold, and sweet. Always watching her mom cook, she had developed a love for food and an adventurous spirit when it came to trying new things. She’d never grilled fish on her own before, but she felt confident that today she could do it — especially because she wanted to make Mom smile and give Bon something yummy to enjoy.

“Mom, can I make lunch today?” she asked with a cheeky grin, catching her mother off guard.

“You want to cook?” Mom laughed gently. “What do you want to make?”

“I want to grill fish! For you and Bon. Please, Mom! I’ll be careful!” Lala said, clasping her hands together dramatically.

Mom chuckled and finally nodded. “Alright. But I’ll stay nearby and watch. No playing with fire, okay?”

Lala squealed with delight and ran to the kitchen to begin her preparations. Mom had already bought a couple of fresh tilapia fish from the morning market. Their silver scales still glistened with freshness, and their smell was clean, almost sweet. Lala touched them gently, whispering, “Thank you, fish, for becoming our meal. I’ll cook you with love.”

She started by cleaning the fish. With care, she removed the scales, slit open the belly, and cleaned out the insides, just like she had seen Mom do so many times. Her small hands worked clumsily but lovingly. She rinsed them thoroughly and then patted them dry.

Next came the seasoning. Lala had a small basket of spices ready: salt, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, and a bit of crushed chili for flavor — not too much, since Bon didn’t like spicy food. She mashed the garlic and lemongrass in a mortar and added a pinch of turmeric. Then she rubbed the golden mixture onto the fish, inside and out, humming her favorite tune while doing it

Meanwhile, Mom helped set up a small charcoal stove in the yard. Lala carefully watched as Mom lit the fire using dry coconut husks and twigs. When the coals began to glow orange and white, Lala placed the fish on the wire rack that would sit above the heat.

She turned to Mom. “I want to do the grilling part!”

“Okay, but slow and careful. Flip it gently, and don’t stand too close,” Mom reminded her.

The scent of grilled fish soon wafted through the air. It was mouthwatering — smoky, savory, and delicious. Even Bon, who had been playing with his toy truck on the porch, sniffed the air and came running.

“Lala! What’s that smell? I’m hungry!” he cried.

“It’s your big sister’s special grilled fish!” Lala proudly announced, waving the spatula like a magic wand.

As the skin of the fish crisped up and turned golden brown, Lala gently flipped them over. A little smoke rose into the air, and she coughed, giggling. Her eyes sparkled with pride — she was doing it! All by herself (well, mostly).

After twenty minutes, the fish was perfectly cooked. The skin was crispy, the inside juicy and tender. With help from Mom, Lala slid the fish onto a plate lined with banana leaves. She quickly chopped up some cucumber, mint, and slices of star fruit to make a fresh side salad.

She arranged everything beautifully on the table under the mango tree — grilled fish, salad, a small bowl of chili dipping sauce (for Mom), and steamed rice wrapped in palm leaves.

“Lunch is ready!” she called out like a professional chef.

Mom came outside, holding Bon’s hand. Both of them were surprised to see how beautifully everything was arranged.

“Wow, Lala! This looks amazing!” Mom said, beaming.

Bon immediately grabbed his spoon. “Can I eat now?”

“Not yet!” Lala stopped him. “First, I have to say something.”

She stood up, cleared her throat like a real hostess, and said, “Today I made grilled fish for my family because I love you both very much. I hope you enjoy it.”

Then, with a giggle, she added, “Bon, you better say it’s delicious!”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Mom took the first bite. The smoky, savory flavor of the fish melted in her mouth. “Mmm… Lala, this is better than some restaurants!”

Bon took a big bite too and said with wide eyes, “Yummy! You’re the best chef ever, Lala!”

Lala sat down, her heart full of joy. She watched her family eat happily, and nothing in the world could have made her prouder. She picked up her own spoon and joined in, her grilled fish really tasting even better with all the love around the table.

After lunch, Mom gave Lala a warm hug. “Thank you, my sweet girl. This was such a beautiful surprise.”

Bon chimed in with his mouth still full. “Can you cook every day now?”

Lala laughed and said, “Only if you help me wash the dishes, Bon!”

The afternoon rolled on, warm and peaceful. Birds chirped in the trees, the breeze danced through the leaves, and the smell of grilled fish still lingered in the air. Mom took out a hammock and rocked Bon to sleep in it while Lala lay on the cool mat, drawing pictures of fish and stoves in her notebook.

She had done something brave and thoughtful today. She had cooked for the people she loved most — and she had done it well. That night, before going to bed, she whispered to herself, “Next time, I’ll make chicken curry!”

And with that, Lala drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with sizzling pans, tasty recipes, and the happy faces of her family.

The end.