It was a sunny morning, and the birds chirped merrily outside the house. Lala, the curious and playful little monkey, was bouncing around as usual. She had just finished her banana breakfast and was full of energy. Her mom, Thuy, was tidying up the house, folding laundry and humming a gentle tune.
But little Lala had other plans.
As soon as Mom turned her back to clean the kitchen, Lala tiptoed toward the back door. The fresh scent of soil after last night’s rain caught her attention. The garden looked like a wonderland, glistening with tiny puddles and soft, dark mud. Lala’s eyes sparkled. She couldn’t resist. Without thinking twice, she slipped through the door and dashed outside.
“Mud time!” she giggled to herself.
In no time, Lala was jumping up and down in the puddles. Splat! Sploosh! She twirled in circles, rolled on the ground, and even made funny shapes with the mud. She was having the time of her life, completely unaware that she had wandered far from the house.
Meanwhile, back inside, Thuy wiped her hands on a towel and called out, “Lala, where are you, sweetie?”
No answer.
Thuy looked in the bedroom. No Lala.
She checked under the table, behind the curtains, and even in the laundry basket—still no sign of her little monkey.
Panic started to bubble in Thuy’s heart.
“Lala? Lala!” she called louder, stepping out onto the porch. The yard was quiet, except for the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.
Then she noticed something—the back gate was slightly open.
Thuy’s heart sank.
She never goes out on her own… did she?”
She ran out through the gate, calling, “Lala! Where are you, baby?”
But Lala was too busy to hear her mother’s worried voice. She was now deep in the forest edge, where the mud was thick and fun. She had even discovered a small puddle that reflected the sky like a mirror. She looked at her muddy face and burst into laughter.
“Ooo! I’m a mud monster!” she cried joyfully, waving her arms in the air.
But as the sun moved higher, the heat became stronger. The mud started to dry and stick. Lala began to feel itchy. Her fur clumped together in sticky patches, and her feet sank into the soft earth.
Suddenly, she looked around.
The trees were taller here. The bushes looked unfamiliar. And worst of all—she couldn’t see her house anymore.
Her laughter faded.
“Mom?” she said quietly.
She turned in one direction—nothing. Another direction—just more trees. A bird flew overhead and cawed, startling her. For the first time that day, Lala felt scared.
“Mommy?” she called out, her voice trembling.
Back in the village, Thuy had gathered a search party. The neighbors, friends, and even the friendly shopkeeper with the big hat joined in to help. They split into groups, calling out for Lala in all directions.
Thuy was almost in tears. She clutched Lala’s favorite stuffed monkey to her chest.
“She’s never done this before. What if she’s hurt?” she whispered.
Just then, a little boy shouted, “I saw muddy footprints going toward the woods!”
Thuy ran as fast as she could.
Meanwhile, Lala sat under a tree, trying to clean some of the mud off her legs. But it only made her fur clump worse. She sniffled, and a little tear rolled down her cheek.
“I don’t want to play anymore,” she murmured.
Suddenly, she heard something.
“Lala! Laaala!”
It was faint… but real.
She jumped to her feet.
“Mommy?!”
“Lala!” Thuy’s voice was closer now.
“I’m here!” Lala shouted.
A few moments later, Thuy appeared through the bushes, her face full of relief. She dropped to her knees and scooped Lala into her arms, mud and all.
“Oh, sweet girl, I was so worried!” she cried, hugging her tightly.
“I’m sorry, Mommy,” Lala sniffled. “I just wanted to play in the mud… but I got lost.”
Thuy looked at her dirty face and kissed her forehead.
“I’m glad you’re safe. Next time, you have to tell me where you’re going, okay?”
Lala nodded. “Okay, Mommy. I promise.”
With Lala safely in her arms, Thuy carried her home. The whole village cheered when they saw the muddy pair return. The shopkeeper laughed and said, “Well, she found the best mud in the whole village!”
At home, Thuy gave Lala a warm bath. She scrubbed gently until all the mud came off and Lala’s soft fur shined again.
As they sat together, wrapped in a fluffy towel, Lala looked up and said, “Mommy, I think I’ll play in the garden next time. With you.”
Thuy smiled. “That’s a perfect idea.”
That night, Lala snuggled close to her mother, her heart full of love and her spirit a little wiser. She had learned a big lesson that day: adventure was fun—but not as important as being safe and staying close to the ones who love you.
And from that day on, whenever she felt like playing in the mud, she’d ask her mom first. Because nothing was more fun than laughing together—and being found when you’re lost.
