The girl skipped all the way back to her house. When she saw the physician step out of her house, her heart dropped. The physician saw her, gave her a small but weary smile and told her, "Remind your father not to over-exert himself and rest." Then, he gave a small bow, pushed up his round glasses and brisk-walked off. Sweat forming on her forehead, she pushed the door open with clammy hands.
Her father sat there, his leg propped up on a stool. He smiled at the girl, the side of his eyes crinkling. He patted the chair next to him. The girl rushed over, sat down and asked worriedly, "Are you alright, dad?"
"I'm fine, sweetheart. I bought lunch earlier; it's on the table. I've already eaten." He gestured to the rice box on the table beside him. The girl believed him and pulled her chair closer to the table, before happily digging into her food.
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"Dad, I thought I told you to rest at home?" The girl sighed in frustration as her father limped beside her.
"I wanted to try to walk. I feel useless at home. I want to be able to work soon. Besides, I like walking with you."
The girl was about to reply when the bamboo trees came into view. "Dad, what are those trees? I've always wanted to ask you, but I keep forgetting," she said, her eyes widening with curiosity.
"Those are bamboo trees. Pandas love bamboo," he said. The girl's eyes brightened when she heard the name of her favourite animal.
"Really? When we go to the zoo someday, can I feed the pandas bamboo? Please?" the girl pleaded with her father. Seeing her childish actions, he could hardly contain the smile that was about to break out.
"Of course you can, sweetheart."
YOU ARE READING
The Bamboo Forest
Kısa HikayeThis story revolves around a girl as she grows up and her connection to a bamboo forest near where she lives.
