Chapter 10: Beneath the Trees, Beside the Stream
A year had quietly passed since Thiên Lam first stepped into the wooden house in the middle of the flower fields.
The seasons had changed, her garden now lush and full of life, flowers blooming brightly along the porch, and her days had settled into a rhythm of quiet contentment. Over that time, Minh Vũ – the neighbor with the gentle smile and clear eyes – had become her steady companion.
They gardened together, cared for the cat, picked vegetables, fixed fences, and sometimes simply sat and sipped chamomile tea while chatting about clouds and wind. No one said more. No one thought beyond the moment. But whenever Minh Vũ caught her smile, a suspicious blush would creep up his ears.
That morning, the sky was exceptionally clear. Sunlight filtered through the leaves like golden silk. Mạch Nha, the sleepy cat, was curled up by the window, while Thiên Lam was wrapping sweet pastries for a spontaneous little forest picnic—an idea born yesterday when they agreed the weather was too beautiful to stay indoors.
They set out with a light backpack, a few snacks, bottles of water, and a small mat to rest on. Minh Vũ carried the bag, and Thiên Lam brought her notebook and a camera.
Leaves rustled beneath their steps, and the scent of moss and wild grass filled the air as if they had wandered into another world. They didn’t speak much—only pausing now and then to marvel at a small mushroom or listen to a bird singing above.
After climbing a mossy hill, they stopped in their tracks.
A small stream appeared before them, crystal clear and winding gently beneath the forest shade. Sunlight danced across the water, and little fish glided between stones blanketed in green. The soft bubbling of the stream filled the silence.
“It’s beautiful…” Thiên Lam murmured, eyes shining like a child discovering hidden treasure.
Minh Vũ smiled and gently set down the bag. “Let’s rest here for a while.”
They laid the mat beneath a large tree and sat quietly, letting the sounds of the forest settle around them. No pressure, no words—just calm, like the breath of the earth.
Eventually, Thiên Lam slipped off her shoes, rolled up her pants, and stepped into the stream. The cold water made her giggle, a sound so clear it echoed like wind chimes among the trees. Minh Vũ watched her with a smile tugging at his lips.
“Aren’t you coming in?” she asked, turning back to him.
Blushing slightly, Minh Vũ took off his shoes and joined her. “It’s freezing,” he yelped, then burst out laughing.
They splashed and played like kids. At one point, Thiên Lam scooped water at him, and he shouted in surprise, laughter ringing through the trees. Another time, their hands brushed as they reached for the same stone, and they both drew back quickly, cheeks flushed.
When they grew tired, they sat side by side on a mossy rock. A gentle breeze stirred, carrying the scent of the forest. Minh Vũ reached out and brushed a fallen leaf off her shoulder.
“Thiên Lam…” he started, then paused.
She turned to him, her eyes glimmering in the golden light. “Hmm?”
“…It’s nothing,” he smiled softly, cheeks pink again. “I just… feel really lucky to have met you.”
Thiên Lam said nothing, but her heart fluttered—just a little. Like a flower petal drifting through spring air.
(End of Chapter 10)
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