It was a quiet afternoon in the small village where Lala lived with her family. The birds chirped softly in the trees, the breeze whispered through the leaves, and the sun peeked out gently from behind the clouds. But for little Lala, the day felt heavy and gloomy. She sat on the wooden porch, her chin resting in her tiny hands, her big eyes filled with tears.
Mom had promised to come home early today. Lala had been counting down the minutes, looking forward to hugging her mom tightly, sharing a snack together, and telling her about the little adventures she had in the garden. But the sun was already dipping low, and there was no sign of Mom.
“Why isn’t she home yet?” Lala mumbled, her voice trembling.
Bon, her big brother, noticed her sadness. He was sitting nearby, trying to fix his toy truck. He looked up and asked gently, “Lala, are you okay?”
Lala sniffled and wiped her cheeks. “Mom said she would come home early… but she’s still not here. I waited all day.”
Bon stood up and walked over to Lala. He gave her a soft hug. “Maybe she got stuck at work. You know how busy she’s been helping Auntie Thida at the shop.”
“I know…” Lala whispered. “But I miss her.”
Bon sighed and patted her head. “I miss her too, Lala. But she loves us so much. She’s probably working hard so she can buy you those drawing books you like.”
Lala’s heart ached. She remembered how Mom had smiled and said, “Just wait, Lala. When I get some time, we’ll go to the market together and buy your favorite books.” That had been two weeks ago.
Just then, the phone on the table buzzed. Bon picked it up and looked at the screen. “It’s Mom!” he exclaimed. He quickly answered.
“Hello? Hi, Mom! … Yes, we’re okay. Lala is here… she’s a little sad though.” Bon looked at Lala and handed her the phone. “She wants to talk to you.”
Lala took the phone slowly. “Mom?” she whispered.
“Lala, my sweet girl,” came Mom’s gentle voice. “I’m so sorry. I really wanted to come home early today. But the shop was full of customers and Auntie Thida needed my help.”
Lala bit her lip to stop herself from crying again. “You said you’d come home…”
“I know, sweetheart,” Mom said, and Lala could hear the sadness in her voice too. “I didn’t mean to break my promise. I just didn’t expect the shop to be so busy.”
“When will you come home?” Lala asked.
“I’ll be home late tonight. Maybe after you fall asleep. But I’ll give you the biggest hug in the morning, okay?”
Lala couldn’t hold it in anymore. Her tears started falling again. “I just want to see you now.”
“I know, Lala. I miss you so much. I wish I could fly home this very moment and hold you tight. But sometimes, grown-ups have to finish their work so they can take care of their families.”
Lala nodded, even though Mom couldn’t see her. “Okay…”
“I love you, my little sunshine. Will you be strong for me tonight? Can you help Bon with dinner and maybe draw me a picture? I’ll look at it first thing in the morning.”
Lala sniffled. “Okay, Mom. I love you too.”
After hanging up, Lala gave the phone back to Bon. He tried to cheer her up. “Hey, want to help me make some noodles? We can even add those little meatballs you like.”
Lala gave a small smile. “Okay.”
As they cooked together, Bon told silly stories and made funny faces. Slowly, Lala began to feel a little better. After dinner, she took out her colored pencils and started drawing a picture of her and Mom sitting in the garden, surrounded by flowers. She even drew a little heart between them.
She whispered to herself, “This will make Mom smile.”
When it was bedtime, Lala climbed into bed and hugged her stuffed bunny tightly. Bon tucked her in and said, “Mom will be home soon. Just close your eyes. She’ll be here before you know it.”
“Will she see my drawing?”
“Of course. She’ll love it.”
Lala closed her eyes and imagined Mom’s warm hug, her soft voice, and her sweet smile. She drifted off to sleep with that image in her heart.
In the middle of the night, the door creaked open softly. Mom tiptoed in, tired but smiling. She saw Lala sleeping peacefully, her cheeks still a little wet with dried tears. On the table beside the bed was the drawing, with a note that said, “I miss you, Mom. I love you.”
Mom’s eyes filled with tears as she gently kissed Lala’s forehead. “I love you more than anything, my baby.”
The next morning, the sun shone brightly. Lala woke up to the smell of warm pancakes. She jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen.
“MOM!” she shouted joyfully.
Mom turned around with a big smile and open arms. Lala ran into her hug and squeezed her tightly.
“I missed you so much!” Lala cried.
“I missed you too, sweetheart,” Mom said, holding her close. “And your drawing made my heart so happy.”
From that day on, even when Mom had to work late, Lala knew she was always loved. And no matter how busy things got, they always found time to share love, laughter, and sweet morning hugs.
