It was a peaceful morning in the countryside. The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the sky with soft hues of orange and pink. Birds chirped cheerfully in the trees, and a light breeze rustled the leaves. Lala, the young and curious golden monkey, stretched her arms wide and yawned. She had just woken up from a cozy sleep in her favorite tree, but something felt… different.
She looked over to her usual napping spot: her old, worn-out hammock made of vines and leaves, tied between two sturdy branches. It had been her favorite place to rest for as long as she could remember. But lately, it had become tattered and uncomfortable. One side sagged lower than the other, and a few vines had started to snap. Lala had tried to fix it, but no matter what she did, it just wasn’t the same.
Still, she was attached to it.
Lala climbed down and went to find Thuy, the kind-hearted girl who lived nearby and often cared for the animals in the forest. Thuy had a special bond with all the creatures—birds, squirrels, dogs, and especially Lala. She always brought them fresh fruit, clean water, and even made time to play with them. Lala loved her very much.
When she reached the little hut where Thuy lived, Lala found her busy hanging colorful clothes on a line. Thuy turned and smiled when she saw Lala.
“Good morning, Lala!” Thuy said, her eyes twinkling. “Did you sleep well?”
Lala nodded but then pointed to her hammock with a little whimper. She scratched her head and mimed falling, trying to show Thuy what had happened.
“Oh no!” Thuy laughed. “Your hammock is getting too old, huh? Poor Lala.”
Lala nodded again, a bit embarrassed.
Thuy put her hand gently on Lala’s head. “Don’t worry. I have a surprise for you later. But first, let’s have some breakfast.”
They shared a big bowl of juicy mango slices and bananas. Lala’s tail swayed happily as she munched. After breakfast, Thuy went to the garden to do some work, and Lala wandered off to play by the stream. But the whole time, she kept wondering what Thuy’s “surprise” might be.
By the time the sun was high in the sky, Lala had nearly forgotten about it. She was chasing butterflies through the tall grass when she heard Thuy calling her name.
“Lala! Come here, I have something to show you!”
Lala scampered back through the trees, her heart beating faster. When she arrived at her favorite tree, she stopped suddenly.
She blinked and looked at Thuy, who stood nearby, smiling warmly.
“Do you like it?” Thuy asked.
Lala ran to the hammock and gently touched the fabric. It was soft and cool under her fingers. She climbed in slowly, testing the strength of the ropes. It held her weight perfectly. She bounced gently, then stretched out and sighed in delight.
It was perfect.
Lala jumped up and wrapped her arms around Thuy’s neck in a big, grateful hug. She chattered excitedly, her tail swishing with joy.
Thuy laughed and hugged her back. “I made it just for you! I noticed your old one was falling apart, so I used some strong cloth and sewed this one last night. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Lala didn’t have the words to say how thankful she was, but her happy squeaks and kisses on Thuy’s cheek said enough.
From that day on, the new hammock became Lala’s favorite place in the whole forest. She napped in it after long days of climbing and playing, she watched the stars from it at night, and sometimes, when it rained, she curled up in it and listened to the soft sound of droplets hitting the leaves above.
Other animals came to see the new hammock too. Mimi the squirrel brought a tiny flower and placed it near the base of the tree. The birds perched nearby and sang songs while Lala swung gently in her new bed. Even Lu, the jealous little monkey who often competed with Lala for attention, couldn’t help but admire it.
“Wow,” Lu said one day, scratching his head. “Thuy must really care about you.”
Lala nodded proudly.
As the days went by, Thuy continued to visit and bring treats. Sometimes she and Lala would lie in the hammock together, staring up at the sky and counting clouds. Other times, Thuy would read stories aloud while Lala listened, resting her head on Thuy’s lap.
One evening, after a long, exciting day of running and jumping, Lala settled into the hammock just as the sun was setting. The sky was painted in rich golds and reds. Thuy sat nearby with a cup of tea, watching her.
“Lala,” she said softly, “you’ve brought so much happiness into my life. You’re not just a monkey. You’re family.”
Lala sat up and made a small heart shape with her hands, a gesture Thuy had taught her.
“And I love you too,” Thuy smiled.
As twilight deepened and the stars began to twinkle overhead, Lala closed her eyes and snuggled into the soft fabric of her new hammock. She felt warm, safe, and loved.
She had never expected a gift like this—but more than the hammock itself, it was the thought behind it that touched her heart.
It reminded her that sometimes, the greatest surprises come not from asking, but from being seen and understood by someone who truly cares.
And with that peaceful thought, Lala drifted off to sleep, swinging gently in the cool night breeze.
