A Garden Gift of Love

The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the fence as I tiptoed into our garden. The grass felt cool and damp against my bare feet, and the smell of wet earth was sweet. My friend Maya was already there, her eyes wide as she poked at a dew-covered spiderweb. I had a special plan today: I wanted to surprise my parents with the freshest breakfast ever to show them how much I love them. I knew the best berries were hidden deep in the bushes, and I was ready to find them.

Maya, always the curious one, pointed toward the back corner where the sunlight hit the leaves. 'Flora, look at those huge strawberries!' she whispered, her voice full of wonder. We crouched down together, and I saw them—bright red jewels hiding under the green canopy. I felt a flutter of excitement in my chest. It wasn't just about the food; it was about the secret we were sharing and the joy I knew this would bring to my mom and dad.

Picking the berries required a lot of focus and a very steady hand. I had to reach through the prickly stems without squashing the fruit or making too much noise. I used all my inner strength to stay calm and patient, even when a tiny beetle crawled over my hand. I carefully placed each berry onto a wooden tray, adding a few sprigs of mint and two yellow daisies for decoration. Everything had to be perfect because this small act was my way of saying thank you for everything they do.

With Maya holding the screen door open, I carried the tray toward my parents' room. My heart hammered against my ribs like a little bird. When we reached their door, I took a deep breath and knocked softly. 'Surprise!' we chirped as they rubbed their eyes and sat up. The look of pure happiness on their faces made all my careful picking worth it. They didn't expect a feast, but seeing the garden berries and the flowers made them beam with pride and love.

As we all sat on the edge of the bed sharing the sweet strawberries, I realized that you don't need a holiday to be kind. Small gestures, like waking up early to pick fruit, can hold the biggest feelings. My parents hugged me tight, and I knew they felt exactly what I wanted to tell them. Maya smiled at me, her curiosity satisfied by the success of our mission. It was the best morning ever, filled with the simple magic of a garden and a grateful heart.