Mai sat cross-legged, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she watched Tao approach with a large bowl of steaming rice. Around them, their friends chattered animatedly, the joy of the moment evident in their voices. "I brought the rice, as promised," Tao announced, setting the bowl down with a flourish.
"Let's share it together," Mai said, her voice brimming with warmth. The group eagerly gathered closer, each child taking a portion of the fragrant rice, savoring the simple yet delicious meal.
As they ate, Mai leaned forward, a mischievous grin on her face. "Let's share stories of what we want to be when we grow up," she suggested, her eyes dancing with curiosity.
Tao, usually the quiet one, was the first to speak. "I want to be an explorer, traveling to places no one has ever been," he declared, his voice filled with determination. The others nodded, captivated by the idea.
Mai clapped her hands excitedly. "I want to be a storyteller, weaving tales that will enchant anyone who listens," she shared, the passion for her dream evident in every word.
Their friend Linh, a girl with a penchant for art, added enthusiastically, "And I'll draw the adventures you both have, capturing every moment on paper!"
The conversation continued, each dream adding to the tapestry of possibilities. As they shared their rice, they also shared their hopes, the bonds of friendship growing stronger with each passing moment.
Mai looked around at her friends, her heart full. "No matter where we go or what we do, we'll always have these memories," she said softly, her words a promise of enduring friendship.
As the last grains of rice were eaten and the day gave way to night, the children sat in comfortable silence, each lost in thoughts of the adventures that awaited them.
Tao gazed up at the stars beginning to twinkle in the twilight sky. "Let's make a pact," he suggested, "to always chase our dreams and support each other, no matter what."
The children joined hands, their voices ringing with sincerity. "Together forever, dreamers and friends," they chorused, their words echoing into the night.
With their pact sealed, they knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together, bound by the memories of shared rice and dreams under the mango tree.
