It was a sunny morning, and Lala was playing happily in the garden behind the house. Birds chirped in the trees, butterflies floated through the flowers, and Lala skipped around with laughter, enjoying the fresh air and colorful nature all around her.
As she bent down to pick a flower, she suddenly heard a strange croak. Lala paused and looked around. “What was that sound?” she whispered, a little nervous. She took a few careful steps toward the bush where the noise came from — and there it was!
A big, bumpy, muddy toad was sitting still under the shade, blinking slowly at her. Lala’s eyes widened, and she froze on the spot. “W-what is that?” she stammered, her heart beating a little faster. The toad gave another loud croak, and Lala jumped back, scared and confused. She had never seen a creature like that before.
Thuy, who was nearby watering the plants, heard Lala’s frightened voice and quickly walked over. “What’s wrong, Lala?” she asked gently.
Lala pointed toward the bush, her voice shaking slightly. “There’s a monster over there! It’s ugly and making weird sounds!”
Thuy peeked behind the leaves and smiled. “Oh Lala, that’s not a monster. That’s just a toad! He’s harmless.”
Lala looked unsure. “But he’s so bumpy… and loud…”
Thuy knelt beside her and explained, “Toads may look strange, but they’re part of nature. They help the garden by eating bugs and keeping things balanced. He’s probably more scared of you than you are of him.”
Lala slowly peeked again and watched the toad blink and stay still. She giggled nervously, “He’s kind of funny-looking…”
Thuy laughed. “Yes, but he’s a good garden friend. Just don’t touch him, okay?”
Lala nodded, still a little cautious but no longer afraid. She had learned something new — and gained just a little more courage in the process.
