It had been four long months since the little girl last visited her relatives. The moment she arrived, she turned into a little “magnet,” clinging to her mom for dear life. The yard was full of kids, noisy and cheerful like a festival, but our tiny princess only dared to join in if her “personal bodyguard” (a.k.a. Mom) tagged along.
As she sat shyly on the wooden bed, a pint-sized neighbor suddenly appeared, proudly holding out a cute doll:
“Here, this is for you!”
Oh my! The little boy was just over four years old, nearly two years younger than Zun, yet he called “baby sis” in the sweetest voice – so sugary it could melt your teeth. Spotting her shyness, he dashed home, grabbed more toys, and rushed back, determined to win her over.
Out in the yard, he huffed and puffed, pushing his training-wheel bike, pleading:
“Come on, hop on! Zin will take you for a ride!”
The scene looked straight out of a cartoon: a six-year-old princess perched on the back seat, her long legs dangling like stork wings, while her four-year-old driver bent forward, butt sticking out, pedaling with all his might – sweat dripping, smile shining.
And that wasn’t all. He even dragged out a bouncy toy horse from his uncle’s house, offering it for her royal ride. Truly, he was the very picture of a “mini gentleman,” practicing the fine art of chivalry at kindergarten level.
Later, at the family feast, Zin planted himself right beside Zun, glued to her side. While others feasted on fragrant roast pork and juicy chicken, Zin nibbled modestly on sticky rice with mung beans – as if he were on a love-fasting diet. After finishing, he disappeared. Minutes later, he returned, solemnly placing a few roasted corn kernels into her tiny hand:
“Here, eat this. It’s really good!”
From the head of the table, the 80-year-old grandpa chuckled and nodded knowingly:
“That boy definitely takes after me – gallant, charming, and a ladies’ man since childhood!”
an excerpt from“Zin and Zun” – Short Story Collection by Hà Kim ✨
