It was a peaceful afternoon on the small countryside farm where Thuy lived with her cheerful animal friends. The sun glowed softly above the trees, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers. Everything seemed calm and slow—except for Lala.
Lala, the clever little monkey with bright eyes and endless energy, was feeling something strong in her belly: hunger.
She had been playing all morning, swinging from tree branches and chasing butterflies. By the time she returned to the farm kitchen, her stomach grumbled louder than a tractor engine.
Thuy, the kind-hearted farmer, was in the garden planting herbs. She often cooked meals for Lala and their animal family, but this time, she was too busy and hadn’t noticed the time.
Lala peeked into the kitchen. No pots were on the stove. No food smells in the air. The table was empty.
Her little face frowned in disappointment. “No food?” she whispered to herself.
But instead of waiting or throwing a tantrum, Lala did something unexpected.
She looked around, then marched toward the vegetable basket. Inside were fresh ears of corn, golden and sweet. Her eyes lit up.
She remembered how Thuy always peeled the husks, filled a pot with water, and let it boil before dropping the corn in. Lala had watched the process many times.
Could she do it herself?
“Why not!” she chirped excitedly.
First, Lala grabbed a few ears of corn. She sat on the stool and carefully peeled back the husks, giggling at the silky threads that stuck to her fingers. Then, she carried the corn to the sink and rinsed it, just like she’d seen Thuy do.
Next, she found a pot and filled it with water. It was a bit heavy, and she nearly spilled it, but she managed to carry it over to the stove. With both hands, she turned the knob just as she had observed Thuy doing.
The flame flickered to life.
“Wow,” she clapped her hands. “Now we wait.”
While the water heated, Lala placed the corn gently on the counter, lining them up like little golden soldiers. She even fetched a small towel and wiped the edges of the stove, proud of how clean everything looked.
The water began to bubble. Steam rose. The sound of boiling water filled the air.
Lala carefully dropped the corn into the pot and covered it with the lid. She sat on a stool nearby, watching attentively and sniffing the air with excitement.
Just as the smell of sweet corn began to fill the kitchen, Thuy walked in from the garden, wiping her hands on her apron.
At first, she didn’t notice anything. But then she paused.
Something smelled… familiar. Delicious.
“Is that… corn?” she asked aloud.
She stepped further into the kitchen—and froze.
There was Lala, sitting proudly next to a boiling pot, her face glowing with satisfaction. The corn was cooking, the kitchen was clean, and the little monkey was humming a cheerful tune.
“Lala?” Thuy gasped. “Did you… boil the corn yourself?”
Lala nodded proudly and pointed at the pot. “Hungry! So, I cook!”
Thuy blinked in disbelief, then burst into laughter. “You clever little thing! You boiled corn all by yourself?”
Lala grinned, her tail swaying happily behind her. “I learn from you!”
Thuy walked over and hugged her. “I’m so surprised—and so proud! You didn’t just wait around. You used your brain and did something useful. And safely, too!”
Together, they lifted the lid. The corn looked perfectly cooked—bright, tender, and steaming with warmth.
Thuy got two plates and placed a couple of ears on each. She added a pinch of salt and handed one to Lala, who eagerly took a bite.
“Mmm!” Lala cheered. “So yummy!”
Thuy smiled. “Delicious. I think this might be the best corn I’ve ever tasted. Not just because it’s sweet, but because you made it with your own two hands.”
Lala blushed and covered her face playfully. “You teach me. I copy.”
“Well, you did more than copy. You remembered the steps, stayed careful, and cleaned up too! That’s amazing.”
From that day on, whenever Lala felt hungry, she didn’t wait or complain. She became the little kitchen helper. Sometimes she boiled corn, other times she helped rinse rice or fetch vegetables from the garden.
And every time she cooked, Thuy beamed with pride.
Soon, the other animals started watching Lala too. They were inspired by her independence. The goats started fetching their own hay. The chickens waited politely instead of pecking impatiently. Even the cat began cleaning its own bowl!
Lala had started a quiet revolution on the farm—one based on action, curiosity, and kindness.
At night, as they sat under the stars, Thuy often told the story of the day Lala surprised her.
“You know,” she would say with a chuckle, “sometimes we think someone is too small or too young to help. But when we give them a chance to learn, they can do amazing things.”
Lala would curl up next to her, full and happy, and whisper, “Tomorrow I cook again?”
Thuy would nod. “Yes, my little chef. Tomorrow, and the next day too.”
And so, with each passing day, Lala’s confidence grew. She learned how to steam rice, peel bananas without squishing them, and even brew sweet ginger tea. Thuy watched her blossom not just into a good little helper, but into a joyful symbol of what happens when you believe in yourself.
Lala’s first corn-boiling adventure had been more than just a snack. It was a moment of courage, learning, and a reminder that no one is too small to make a big difference.
And of course, the corn was absolutely delicious.
