The sun had only just begun to rise, painting the horizon with gentle hues of orange and pink. The air was fresh, carrying the faint scent of dew and wildflowers. Lala stretched her little arms wide, blinking her sleepy eyes as the soft light poured into the tent. Today wasn’t just any day—it was a picnic day, and breakfast was going to be extra special.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Mom whispered as she peeked inside the tent where Lala was still wrapped in her cozy blanket. Bon, her mischievous little brother, was already awake, sitting cross-legged with excitement practically bubbling out of him. He had been waiting for this picnic morning for days.
Lala sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes. “Mom, is it breakfast time already?” she asked, her voice still soft from sleep.
“Yes,” Mom said with a smile. “And today, breakfast won’t be at the kitchen table. We’re going to have it right here at our picnic spot!”
Lala’s tiredness melted away in an instant. She jumped to her feet, her face lighting up with joy. Bon clapped his hands and grabbed her wrist, tugging her toward the big picnic blanket that Mom had already spread out on the grassy field nearby.
The spot they had chosen was perfect—nestled under a tall oak tree, with a small stream running gently close by. The sound of water trickling over smooth stones added a peaceful rhythm to the morning. Birds chirped cheerfully in the branches, as if they were joining in on the family picnic.
On the blanket lay a basket filled with treasures: warm bread rolls wrapped in cloth to keep them soft, jars of strawberry and apricot jam, slices of fresh fruit, boiled eggs, cheese, and even a small thermos of Mom’s special hot cocoa. The smell alone was enough to make Bon’s stomach growl loudly.
“Sit down, both of you,” Mom said, patting the blanket. “Let’s enjoy a calm, chill breakfast together.”
Lala sat cross-legged next to Bon, her eyes sparkling as she peeked into the basket. “Can I spread the jam myself?” she asked eagerly.
“Of course,” Mom replied, handing her a small butter knife and a roll. Lala carefully split the bread in half, her tiny fingers a little clumsy but determined. She spread the strawberry jam slowly, making sure it reached every corner. Bon, on the other hand, couldn’t wait. He grabbed a roll, slathered on way too much apricot jam, and bit into it messily, getting sticky jam all over his chin.
“Bon!” Lala giggled. “You look like a jam monster.”
Bon grinned, his mouth full, and tried to roar like a monster. The sound made both Lala and Mom burst out laughing. It was silly, but laughter made the morning even more delightful.
As they enjoyed their food, Mom poured hot cocoa into little cups. Steam rose gently, carrying the sweet smell of chocolate. Lala held her cup carefully with both hands, sipping slowly. The warmth spread through her body, making her sigh with happiness. Bon gulped his too quickly and burned his tongue. He yelped, sticking his tongue out, and Lala shook her head.
“See, Bon? You have to be patient. Breakfast is better when you enjoy it slowly.”
Mom smiled, watching her children chatter. She loved moments like this—simple mornings, quiet nature, and the joy of being together. “You two remind me that the best breakfasts aren’t about fancy food,” she said softly. “They’re about enjoying each other’s company.”
After finishing their rolls, Lala tried the boiled eggs. She cracked the shell gently, peeling it with focus. Bon struggled with his egg, smashing it too hard so little pieces of shell got stuck to the white. Mom helped him clean it, then sprinkled a tiny bit of salt. Bon declared loudly, “This is the best egg ever!” which made Mom and Lala laugh again.
The picnic spot was slowly waking up with life. A butterfly fluttered past, catching Lala’s eye. She held out her hand, pretending it might land there. Bon pointed to the stream, where a dragonfly zipped just above the water.
“After breakfast, can we explore the stream?” Bon asked eagerly.
“Yes,” Mom nodded. “But first, let’s finish eating calmly. Today is all about being relaxed.”
That word—relaxed—felt special to Lala. Usually mornings were busy, with everyone rushing to school, work, or chores. But here, under the tree, with the soft rustle of leaves and the taste of sweet jam still on her tongue, everything felt calm and happy.
She lay back on the blanket for a moment, looking up at the sky through the branches. The blue above seemed endless, dotted with fluffy clouds drifting lazily. “I love this,” she whispered.
Bon copied her, lying down beside her with his arms spread out wide. “Me too,” he said, giggling. “It feels like we’re floating in the sky!”
Mom smiled and joined them, stretching out on the blanket. For a few minutes, the three of them just lay there, listening to the birds, the water, and the gentle morning breeze.
After finishing the fruit slices—juicy apples and sweet oranges—Lala decided to help Mom tidy up the basket. Bon was more interested in stacking the leftover bread crumbs into “tiny jam castles,” which eventually crumbled when an ant came along to claim its breakfast too.
“Look, even the ants are having a picnic!” Bon laughed.
Mom nodded. “Nature always joins in when we share food outside.”
Lala liked that thought. She imagined the birds above, the butterflies, the ants, even the dragonflies—all enjoying the peaceful breakfast together.
When everything was packed, Mom leaned back and said, “You know, this picnic breakfast is probably one of my favorite memories already.”
“Mine too,” Lala agreed. “I think food tastes better outside.”
Bon raised his sticky fingers proudly. “And funnier too!”
They all laughed once more, and then Mom suggested they take a short walk along the stream. But before standing up, Lala turned to her Mom and hugged her tightly. “Thank you for the picnic, Mom. It feels so special.”
Mom kissed her forehead gently. “You’re welcome, my love. Special moments are made when we’re together.”
And so, with full bellies and light hearts, the three of them wandered off to explore, leaving the blanket folded neatly under the tree. The picnic spot still echoed with their laughter, carrying it into the breeze as the sun rose higher, promising a whole day of simple joys ahead.
