The sun had barely risen when it was time for Lala to say goodbye. She stood at the doorstep, clinging tightly to Mom’s shirt, her little eyes welling up with tears.
Today, she was going to stay with CEO Kien for a while — a familiar and loving home, yes, but it meant being apart from Mom, and Lala’s heart wasn’t ready for that.
Mom knelt down and gently held Lala’s hands. “Sweetheart, you’ll be okay. Kien will take good care of you.”
Lala nodded slowly, but her grip didn’t loosen. “Will you miss me, Mommy?” she whispered.
Mom smiled, her voice soft. “Every single minute.”
With a deep breath, Lala turned to CEO Kien, who was waiting patiently nearby. He knelt beside her and gave her a warm hug. “I’ve prepared your favorite snacks and cartoons,” he said gently. “And Bon is excited to play with you.”
Lala gave a tiny smile, but her eyes stayed fixed on Mom.
Finally, Mom kissed her forehead and whispered, “Be strong, my brave girl.”
As the car drove away, Lala looked out the window, waving slowly, her small face pressed to the glass. Her heart ached, but deep down, she knew Mom loved her — and she would be back soon.
At CEO Kien’s house, things slowly got brighter. Bon gave her a funny drawing, Kien let her help water the garden, and they all shared a warm dinner together.
That night, wrapped in a cozy blanket, Lala looked up at the stars and whispered, “Goodnight, Mom.”
Because even though her heart felt a little heavy, Lala was learning to be strong — and to carry Mom’s love with her, wherever she went.
