It was a golden morning on the farm, and the sun was already peeking over the horizon. Dewdrops sparkled on the corn stalks, and birds chirped cheerfully from the trees. Bibi, a small and curious baby monkey with fluffy brown fur and bright eyes, was wide awake before anyone else. He scampered around the garden, sniffing the air and twitching his little nose.
His tummy rumbled.
“I’m hungry,” he muttered, holding his belly. “But I don’t want bananas today. I want something… different.”
Bibi scratched his head and looked around the farm. He spotted the tall corn plants swaying gently in the breeze.
“Corn!” he exclaimed with excitement. “That’s it! Sweet, juicy corn!”
He bounded toward the cornfield with joy, his little feet making soft thuds on the earth. He stopped at the edge, gazing at the tall green stalks. Golden ears of corn peeked out, waiting to be picked. But there was one problem—Bibi didn’t know how to pick corn properly, and he didn’t want to ruin the plants.
“I better ask someone,” he said thoughtfully.
Just then, Uncle Phong came walking down the path with a straw hat on his head and a gentle smile on his face. Uncle Phong was a kind and hardworking farmer who had lived on the land for years. Everyone in the village loved his warm heart—and especially his cooking!
“Good morning, Bibi!” Uncle Phong greeted. “You’re up early.”
“Morning, Uncle Phong!” Bibi said, running up to him. “I’m craving corn today. Do you think I could have some?”
Uncle Phong chuckled. “Corn, huh? Well, you’re in luck. The corn is ready to harvest today!”
Bibi’s eyes sparkled. “Really? Could I try some?”
“Of course,” Uncle Phong said with a wink. “But I’ll make it even better. How about I cook you a special corn soup—just for you?”
Bibi clapped his hands excitedly. “Yes, please! That sounds amazing!”
Together, Uncle Phong and Bibi walked into the cornfield. Uncle Phong showed Bibi how to gently peel back the husks to check if the corn was ripe. They picked a few ears of the plumpest, sweetest corn and brought them back to the outdoor kitchen beside the farmhouse.
“Alright,” Uncle Phong said, setting the corn down on a wooden table. “Now the magic begins.”
Bibi watched closely as Uncle Phong worked. First, he carefully peeled the husks and removed the silky threads. Then, with a big knife, he sliced the kernels off the cob. They landed in a shiny metal bowl, each golden piece glistening in the morning light.
Next, Uncle Phong chopped up some onions, garlic, and a few green herbs from his garden. He poured a bit of oil into a pot and tossed everything in. The aroma filled the air instantly—rich, sweet, and savory.
“Mmm,” Bibi murmured, licking his lips.
Uncle Phong smiled. “That’s just the beginning.”
He added the corn and stirred gently. Then he poured in some water and a splash of coconut milk.
“This is my special recipe,” Uncle Phong whispered. “A creamy corn soup with just a hint of coconut. It’s sweet, it’s savory—and it’s very comforting.”
Bibi sat on a small wooden stool and watched the soup simmer. Steam rose from the pot, and the smell was enough to make anyone hungry. Birds flew by curiously, and even a few other animals—like a chubby cat and a curious duck—gathered nearby to see what was cooking.
After a little while, Uncle Phong tasted the soup and nodded.
“Perfect,” he said.
He ladled the steaming soup into a small bowl, then placed it in front of Bibi. “Here you go, little one. Fresh corn soup, made just for you.”
Bibi held the bowl with both hands and took a careful sip.
His eyes widened.
“Wow!” he exclaimed. “It’s soooo good!”
The soup was creamy and warm, with the natural sweetness of corn dancing on his tongue. The coconut milk added a smooth richness, and the herbs gave it a fresh, fragrant touch.
Bibi couldn’t stop smiling. He took spoonful after spoonful, sighing with happiness after each bite.
“This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” he said between sips.
Uncle Phong sat down beside him, pleased. “I’m glad you like it, Bibi. Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the most comforting meals.”
Bibi nodded. “Do you think we can make it again someday?”
“Anytime you crave corn, just let me know,” Uncle Phong said warmly. “The farm always has something special to share.”
After finishing his bowl, Bibi stretched out on a soft cushion in the shade. His belly was full, his heart was happy, and the world felt just right. Uncle Phong brought him a cool glass of water and sat nearby, watching the clouds drift slowly across the sky.
As the day went on, more villagers passed by the farm, drawn by the delicious scent of corn soup. Uncle Phong happily shared more bowls with everyone who came. Bibi helped by passing out spoons and napkins, proud to be part of such a special meal.
That evening, as the sun dipped low and the sky turned orange, Bibi curled up beside Uncle Phong on the porch. Fireflies began to blink in the fields, and the soft hum of nature filled the air.
“Thank you for today,” Bibi whispered sleepily.
“You’re welcome, my little corn lover,” Uncle Phong chuckled.
Bibi yawned and smiled. “I think today was perfect.”
And with that, he closed his eyes, dreaming of golden corn, warm soup, and a farmer’s kindness that made the world feel like home.
