Harun stands in the doorway, eyes narrowed with determination, as Nenek, his sprightly grandmother with a twinkle in her eye, hands him a worn-out basket. "Harun, go and catch Puan Ayam for dinner. Make sure she's plump!"Harun gulps, glancing at the large brown hen strutting confidently near the mango tree.
With a sudden leap, Harun lunges forPuan Ayam, but she darts away, wings flapping. He stumbles over the hose, sending water spraying into the air, and the chickens shriek in delight. The chase winds through the trees, wings, and laughter filling the air.
Harun's foot slips, and he tumbles headfirst into the muddy water, arms flailing. Puan Ayam stands at the edge, feathers unruffled, clucking triumphantly asHarun It emerges dripping and defeated. The other chickens gather, clucking with what sounds suspiciously like laughter.
"What happened to you, Harun? Did you decide to swim with the chickens?""Nenek asked me to catch a chicken for dinner, but they're faster than I am. Especially Puan Ayam—she's a seasoned escape artist." The chickens cluck even louder, strutting in a circle as if to taunt the boys. Puan Ayam throws her head back and lets out a deep, rolling cluck. "If you can't seize me, welcome to my coop!" The boys burst out laughing, clutching their sides.
"Harun, I asked you to catch a chicken, not bathe with them!""These are not spring chickens, Nenek. They're seasoned hens!" Everyone—Nenek, Amir, and even the chickens—seems to laugh at once, the sound mingling with the evening breeze.
Harun regales his family with the day's adventure, embellishing the wild chase and the chickens' triumphant clucks. Dad, spoon in hand, grins at his son. "So the hens overruled you, Harun?""Yes, Dad. There were five of them, but I was alone. I never stood a chance."Mum smiles, shaking her head. "Next time, maybe ask them politely.""Lesson learned: never underestimate a chicken who knows her own language!"Nenek pats his shoulder. "I'm proud of your determination, Harun. Be patient when things don't go your way. Try again, and you will succeed."Harun grins, basking in the warmth of family and the laughter that fills the night. "Thank you, Nenek."
