Mom set down her mug and smiled at the little figure beside her, Sweetie, who sat in a high chair, eagerly awaiting their daily conversation. "Sweetie, what should we eat today?" Sweetie tilted her head, her tiny fingers tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... apples! And cake!"

Mom chuckled softly and shook her head gently, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Apples sound good, but we don't have cake today. How about bananas instead?" Sweetie pouted slightly, her lips forming a perfect little 'o'. "No bananas! I want cake!" Mom leaned closer, smoothing down Sweetie's soft curls with a tender hand. "Too much cake isn't good for us, remember? You like healthy food, right?"

Sweetie thought for a moment, then nodded with a wise expression that belied her years. "Okay... apples." Mom smiled approvingly, reaching for an apple from the bowl. "Great choice! I'll peel one for you."

Sweetie looked up suddenly, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Mommy, where do apples come from?" Mom paused, her smile growing as she envisioned the answer. "Apples grow on trees. When the trees grow big and strong, they make fruit for us to pick."

Sweetie's eyes sparkled, filled with newfound wonder. "Wow, trees are amazing! I want to plant a tree too!" Mom's heart swelled with pride at her daughter's enthusiasm. "That's a wonderful idea! How about we plant an apple tree together in the spring?"

Sweetie clapped her hands happily, her face lit up with anticipation. "Yes! A big, big tree!" Together, they dreamed of the apple tree they would nurture and watch grow, a symbol of their love and shared curiosity for the wonders of nature.