The morning sun rose gently over the quiet farm, casting a golden glow on the green leaves and soft grass. Birds chirped happily, and the wind carried the scent of blooming flowers. Everything seemed peaceful. But in the corner of the garden, sitting quietly under a big mango tree, was Lala — the baby monkey — with her little arms wrapped around her knees and a deep sadness in her eyes.
Lala wasn’t her usual cheerful self today. She didn’t run around chasing butterflies. She didn’t giggle or play with her favorite toys. Even when Cutis the golden dog tried to cheer her up by rolling over and doing silly tricks, Lala only gave a tiny smile and then looked away.
CEO Kien, who was working nearby on his laptop, noticed something was wrong. He put down his work and walked over to Lala.
“Hey, my sweet little friend,” he said softly, kneeling beside her. “What’s going on? Why do you look so down today?”
Lala looked up at him with teary eyes and whispered, “I miss Lan Anh.”
Kien’s heart melted at her words. Lan Anh was Lala’s favorite human friend — a gentle girl who always played with her, taught her new games, and cuddled her when she was tired. Lan Anh had gone back to the city two weeks ago for school, and since then, Lala had felt a hole in her tiny heart.
“She always sings for me,” Lala sniffled. “And reads bedtime stories. I want to hear her voice.”
Kien gently rubbed Lala’s head. “Oh, Lala, I know it’s hard. But we can’t bring Lan Anh here right now. She’s busy studying, remember?”
Lala nodded sadly. “But… can you call her? Please?”
Kien smiled warmly. “Of course, let me try.”
He pulled out his phone and opened the video call app. Lala immediately perked up a little, her eyes sparkling with hope. She stood next to Kien, holding onto his arm as they waited for the call to connect.
“Ring… ring…”
After a few seconds, the screen lit up — and there she was! Lan Anh’s face appeared on the screen, smiling brightly.
“Lala!!” she cried joyfully.
“Lan Anh!!!” Lala shouted, her sadness disappearing like clouds after the rain. Her little hands waved excitedly as she jumped up and down.
Lan Anh laughed. “Oh my sweet girl, I miss you so much!”
Lala quickly began talking — telling Lan Anh everything that had happened on the farm. She told her how Cutis stole her banana yesterday, how she and CEO Kien watched the stars at night, and how she tried (but failed) to climb the tall jackfruit tree.
Lan Anh giggled through the stories. “That’s my brave monkey. You always have the best adventures.”
Then Lala got quiet again. “But it’s not the same without you. I miss our hugs.”
Lan Anh placed her hand on the screen. “I miss your hugs too. I promise, I’ll visit you soon. But until then, we can call more often. Okay?”
“Every day?” Lala asked
“Every single day,” Lan Anh said with a wink.
CEO Kien, who had been watching the reunion with a smile, decided to give them some time alone. He walked a few steps away, letting Lala hold the phone and sit under the tree, chatting happily with her friend.
After about fifteen minutes, the call ended. Lala held the phone close to her chest and sighed, but this time it was a happy sigh.
“She’s okay. She’s happy,” Lala said to Kien.
“Do you want me to read a story?” Kien asked.
Lala shook her head. “Lan Anh is going to call tomorrow. She promised she’ll read me a story then.”
“Alright,” Kien chuckled. “Then I’ll let her take the night shift.”
Lala closed her eyes, the day’s happiness still glowing in her heart. As the stars blinked in the night sky above, she whispered to herself, “Tomorrow will be even better.”
From that day on, Lala and Lan Anh talked every evening. Sometimes they sang songs. Sometimes Lan Anh showed Lala her drawings or the big buildings in the city. Sometimes they just looked at each other and smiled, saying nothing at all.
The farm felt full again — full of laughter, love, and hope. And all it took was a little call and a lot of heart.
