It was a bright and sunny morning. Birds chirped softly outside the window as the golden light of dawn gently streamed through the curtains. In the cozy little house nestled at the edge of the village, young Lala stretched and yawned as she woke up. But today was no ordinary day for Lala. Today, she wasn’t going to wait for Thuy to remind her what to do. She had decided the night before, “Tomorrow, I’ll take care of myself like a big girl!”
Thuy, who usually helped Lala with everything from brushing her teeth to choosing her clothes, had a long list of chores that day. She had to help Grandma prepare food, visit the market, and water the garden. So, she told Lala gently before bed, “Sweetheart, I might not be able to help you much tomorrow morning. Can you try to be a little independent?”
Lala nodded bravely, her eyes filled with determination.
Now, as the sun rose higher, Lala sat up in her bed, her favorite pink pajamas crumpled from sleep. She looked around and smiled. “I can do this!” she whispered to herself. She started her morning by folding her blanket neatly and placing her pillow in its proper place. Then she slid off the bed and padded softly to the bathroom.
Standing on a little stool, she picked up her toothbrush, applied just the right amount of toothpaste, and brushed carefully. “Top and bottom, front and back!” she sang, remembering what Thuy had always taught her. After rinsing her mouth and wiping her face with a towel, she gave herself a proud smile in the mirror.
Next came dressing up. Lala went to her wardrobe and chose her favorite yellow dress with little white flowers on it. She pulled it over her head and smoothed it down. She even picked matching socks and tied her own hair into a ponytail—not perfectly, but good enough for a little girl learning to do things herself.
Meanwhile, Thuy peeked into the room, expecting to find Lala still half-asleep. Instead, she was stunned to see Lala all dressed up and brushing her doll’s hair. “Wow, Lala! You’re up and ready?”
Lala beamed. “Yes, Thuy! I woke up and did everything by myself! I brushed my teeth, washed my face, changed my clothes, and made my bed too!”
Thuy was speechless for a moment and then knelt down to hug her. “I’m so proud of you! You are growing up into such a responsible little girl!”
Lala giggled with joy. She had never felt so confident before. “I want to help you today too, Thuy! Since I can take care of myself, maybe I can help with some of your chores.”
Thuy smiled and nodded. “That sounds wonderful. Let’s start with breakfast.”
Together, they walked into the kitchen. Thuy began cutting vegetables, while Lala helped set the table. She placed the bowls and spoons carefully, making sure everything looked just like how Thuy usually arranged it. When the rice porridge was ready, Lala served herself a small bowl and ate slowly, not spilling a drop.
After breakfast, Thuy went out to water the garden, and Lala stayed indoors to tidy up her toys. She lined up her stuffed animals, put books back on the shelf, and even picked up the building blocks scattered on the floor. She made sure her play area looked neat and clean.
When Thuy returned, she couldn’t believe her eyes. “Lala! You even cleaned up your toys?”
“Yes! I want to be helpful. I know you’re busy, so I’m trying to do things on my own,” Lala replied proudly.
Inspired by her morning success, Lala asked if she could help in the garden. Thuy handed her a small watering can, and together they moved from plant to plant. Lala listened carefully as Thuy explained how each flower needed just the right amount of water.
In the afternoon, Thuy took a short break to rest, and Lala didn’t disturb her. Instead, she quietly colored pictures in her notebook, choosing her favorite crayons and making a beautiful drawing of her and Thuy standing in the garden.
Later, Thuy woke up to find the drawing placed gently on the table next to a cup of water that Lala had brought for her. “You’re the best helper today,” Thuy said, touched by Lala’s thoughtfulness.
As the day continued, Lala stayed on her best behavior. She didn’t demand attention, didn’t cry or throw tantrums. She read her picture books, played quietly with her toys, and even reminded herself to drink water and wash her hands before snack time.
In the evening, as the sky turned a soft orange and birds began to return to their nests, Thuy sat with Lala on the porch. She looked at her sweet little girl and said, “Lala, you really surprised me today. You’ve shown me how responsible, smart, and kind you are.”
Lala leaned her head on Thuy’s shoulder and whispered, “I love you, Thuy. I know you work hard, so I wanted to be a good girl and take care of myself.”
Tears welled up in Thuy’s eyes—not from sadness, but from pride and joy. “You’re not just a good girl—you’re a wonderful, caring little star. I’m lucky to have you.”
That night, after a warm bath and cozy dinner, Lala curled into bed, her heart full of pride. Thuy tucked her in and kissed her forehead.
“Goodnight, my little hero,” Thuy whispered.
Lala smiled sleepily. “Goodnight, Thuy. Tomorrow I’ll be even better.”
And with that, Lala drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that she was growing up—bit by bit, day by day—into someone strong, loving, and smart enough to care for herself and others.
The End.
