It was late at night, and the house was quiet. The soft glow of the moon shone through the window as Monkey Lyly lay in bed, trying to fall asleep. But something felt unusual. She heard a faint clinking sound coming from the kitchen.
Curious, Lyly quietly got up and tiptoed down the hallway. As she peeked around the corner, she saw her mother sitting alone at the table, slowly eating a bowl of instant noodles. The steam rose gently, but her mother’s face looked tired and distant.
Lyly felt a strange uneasiness in her heart.
“Mom? Why are you awake?” Lyly asked softly, stepping into the kitchen.
Her mother looked up, slightly surprised. “Oh, Lyly… I couldn’t sleep. I was just a little hungry,” she replied with a gentle smile.
But Lyly could tell something wasn’t right. Her mother’s eyes looked heavy, and her movements seemed slow, as if she was carrying a lot on her mind.
Lyly climbed onto the chair beside her. “Are you okay, Mom?” she asked, her voice full of concern.
Her mother paused for a moment before answering. “I’m just a bit tired from the day. Don’t worry about me.”
Lyly looked at the simple bowl of noodles. It didn’t feel like a proper meal, especially for someone who worked so hard all day. She suddenly remembered how her mother had been busy from morning until night, taking care of everything without a break.
Without saying a word, Lyly gently held her mother’s hand.
“You always take care of me,” Lyly said quietly. “But you need to take care of yourself too.”
Her mother’s eyes softened, touched by Lyly’s words. She hadn’t realized how much her daughter noticed.
Lyly stood up and walked to the kitchen counter. She poured a glass of warm water and brought it back carefully. “Here, Mom. This will help you feel better.”
Her mother smiled warmly, her heart filled with love. “Thank you, Lyly.”
In that quiet moment, the uneasiness faded, replaced by warmth and understanding. Lyly realized that sometimes, even the strongest people need a little care—and she was happy to be the one to give it.
