Lala was a smart and gentle little monkey who lived with her loving caretaker, Thuy, in a peaceful countryside village. Every morning, the sun would shine through the windows of their cozy little home, waking them with soft golden light. Thuy and Lala had a special bond—one built on trust, kindness, and lots of time spent together. Thuy taught Lala how to brush her fur, drink from a cup, and even tidy up her toys after playing. It wasn’t always perfect, but Lala tried her best and always loved the praise and cuddles she received from Thuy.
One day, as the birds chirped and the morning breeze blew gently through the garden, Thuy sat beside Lala and softly said, “Lala, I have to visit my parents for a few days. You’ll stay here with Uncle Minh and the animals. I need you to be a good girl and take care of yourself. Can you do that for me?”
Lala looked into Thuy’s eyes, tilting her head and wrapping her tiny arms around her caretaker’s neck. She let out a soft “hoo-hoo,” a sound that meant, “I understand.” Thuy smiled, kissed Lala on the head, and gently packed her small travel bag.
Before leaving, Thuy showed Uncle Minh Lala’s routine: where her snacks were kept, how she liked her morning banana sliced, and which lullaby helped her fall asleep at night. Uncle Minh listened carefully and promised to watch over Lala.
As the front gate closed behind Thuy, Lala sat quietly on the porch, her tail curled around her feet. She missed her already. But deep in her little monkey heart, she remembered her promise to behave and take care of herself. So, she stood up, straightened her tiny shoulders, and got to work.
The first thing she did was check her corner of the house. Her blanket was neatly folded, her soft stuffed giraffe, Momo, was sitting upright, and her wooden blocks were stacked just the way she liked them. She nodded to herself with pride.
Lala’s day began with breakfast. She knew Thuy always gave her warm milk with fruit, so she followed the smell coming from the kitchen. Uncle Minh smiled as she entered, holding out a cup with both hands. “Here you go, Miss Lala,” he chuckled. “Just like Thuy makes it.”
Lala took the cup carefully and drank slowly. She didn’t spill a single drop. Afterward, she patted her mouth with a napkin like she had seen Thuy do so many times. Uncle Minh clapped in delight. “Well done! You’re such a good girl.”
Lala spent the morning in the garden. The sun was warm, and the butterflies fluttered from flower to flower. She chased a few, then remembered not to trample the plants. Thuy had always told her, “Be gentle with the garden, Lala. The flowers are alive, too.” So instead of jumping, she tiptoed around, touching the petals softly and watching the bees with curiosity.
Later, she sat under the mango tree with a picture book. Of course, Lala couldn’t read the words, but she liked looking at the colorful animals. There was a big elephant, a laughing hyena, and even a monkey that looked just like her, swinging on a vine. She giggled and showed the pictures to Momo, whispering stories as she turned the pages.
When it was time for lunch, Uncle Minh prepared a bowl of rice with steamed vegetables. Lala knew how to hold a small spoon and took her time, careful not to make a mess. She ate slowly, savoring every bite, and when she was done, she put her dish in the sink like a big girl.
In the afternoon, the wind picked up, and clouds rolled in. A soft rain began to fall, tapping gently on the roof. Normally, Lala might get anxious when the weather changed—especially if Thuy wasn’t around—but today was different. She remembered how Thuy would hum to her and light a little lamp when it rained. So Lala did the same. She pulled her blanket over her shoulders, picked up her stuffed giraffe, and began to hum softly. Uncle Minh peeked in and smiled at the sweet scene.
“Lala, you’re so grown up today,” he said quietly. “Thuy will be proud.”
When evening came, Lala helped Uncle Minh put away the toys and sweep the floor. She was tired but happy. As the stars appeared in the sky, she stood on a small stool by the sink and washed her hands and face. Then she brushed her little teeth with the banana-flavored toothpaste Thuy had bought just for her.
At bedtime, she curled up in her favorite corner, holding Momo close. Uncle Minh sat beside her and tried to sing Thuy’s lullaby. His voice was deep and a little off-key, but Lala smiled. She knew he was trying his best, just like she was. Slowly, her eyes closed, and she drifted off to sleep, her heart warm and peaceful.
The next morning, the sun rose again, and with it came the sound of the front gate creaking open. Lala’s ears perked up. She jumped to her feet and ran to the window. It was Thuy! She was back!
With a joyful cry, Lala bounded into her arms, nuzzling her cheek and holding her tight. Thuy laughed, tears in her eyes. “Oh, my sweet girl! I missed you so much! Did you behave?”
Uncle Minh answered with a chuckle. “Not only did she behave, but she took care of herself better than I expected. She was polite, calm, tidy, and even helped around the house.”
Thuy looked at Lala and hugged her tightly. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered. “You’ve grown so much.”
Lala beamed, her little face glowing with happiness. She had done it. She had stayed strong, behaved well, and taken care of herself while Thuy was away. And now, with her beloved caretaker home again, everything felt just right.
