The girl just brought a basket of fruit to her boyfriend’s house to debut, who would have thought that her mother just saw it and hurriedly put down the hearty rice tray, laid out a tray of rice filled with boiled vegetables, she stood up and spoke a sentence that shocked her entire family…
Ha was born in a poor province by the river. Her father died early, and her mother died early to raise her two sisters to study. The poor life taught Ha how to live frugally, be independent and appreciate the little things.
Going to university in the city, Ha worked part-time jobs: running a coffee shop, teaching, online sales… Because of this, she not only covered her living expenses but also sent part of it to her mother. It was during a part-time job at the library that Ha met Nam – a final year student, tall, kind, with a wealthy family.
Nam had been in love with each other for over a year, and Nam suggested that Ha return to her parents. Ha was happy and worried. He knew that the situation between the two sides was far apart, but he believed in Nam’s sincere feelings.
That morning, Ha woke up early to go to the market, chose the freshest fruits: red apples, purple grapes, yellow oranges… He carefully wrapped them in a beautiful rattan basket and tied a ribbon. Although the gift was simple, it was the best thing he could buy with his own money.
Arriving at Nam’s house, Ha was greeted politely. Nam’s father responded happily, and his mother – Mrs. Hanh – just glanced at the fruit basket, her eyes a little indifferent.
“What is she wearing, Nam?” – he asked.
“Yes, dessert fruits, mom.” – Nam answered, smiling.
Mrs. Hanh nodded slightly, then returned to the kitchen and whispered something to the maid. I don’t know what will happen to her, I thought everything was normal.
After a while, the dining table was set. In front of Ha was a plate of boiled morning glory, a bowl of thin pumpkin soup, and a plate of cold fried tofu. Everything was simple, while the smell from the stove was still floating in his nose. In the gap in the door, Ha saw a hearty tray of rice: golden boiled chicken, steamed fish, shrimp rim, braised meat… These were stored in pots.
Mommy said, “Mommy, I thought you cooked a lot this morning?”
Mrs. Hanh hesitantly said: “Ah, those dishes are for the guests this afternoon. It’s also nice to eat vegetables to save money.”
Ha smiled slightly, picked up the chopsticks and ate a few pieces, but his heart recognized the story. The atmosphere at the dining table was heavy.
After eating for a while, Ha put down his chopsticks and stood up slowly. The entire table turned their eyes to him. Ha’s voice was calm but clear:
“Auntie, I know your home is better than mine. I was born in the countryside, eating boiled vegetables and pumpkin soup was normal, there were days when I didn’t even eat it. But today I came here not to test my patience, but to meet and chat with my family. A tray of rice is not just food – it is also a happy heart. I brought this fruit basket, not because I didn’t know what to buy, but because it was the best thing I could choose for myself. I believe that love and loyalty are more important than any gift.”
The air was quiet. Nam’s father coughed slightly, his eyes looking at Mrs. Hanh full of meaning. Nam held her head, she was obviously embarrassed.
Ha continued: “I love Mr. Nam, and I think that if I’m lucky, I’ll have another family to love. I also understand that a family only exists when there is respect for each other. If it’s just because you come from a poor background and are looked down upon, I think we should stop here.”
After speaking, Ha bowed and was about to leave. Nam stood up: “Ha, wait for me!” He approached his mother, his voice rarely harsh: “Mom! I love Ha not because he is rich or poor. If that’s how I still judge him, I will leave home with Ha.”
Mrs. Hanh was confused. The eyes of everyone in the house warmed her. Father Nam said slowly: “You did wrong. What was needed was a kind person, not a whole tray.”
Mrs. Hanh was silent for a few seconds and then sighed: “You… I’m sorry. He was too judgmental. Those dishes… Let’s just tell them to go out, we’ll eat together.”
Ha smiled: “Thank you, but I think I should go home now. If there is a destiny, I will come back – but hopefully, afterwards, we will be more sincere.”
She walked to the door, Nam ran towards her. Mrs. Hanh stood looking at the shadow of the girl’s back, and suddenly felt a sense of disappointment in her heart. She only realized a few words, Ha thought about the entire family with his behavior.
And since that day, the hearty tray of rice was still served, but Mrs. Hanh no longer found it as delicious as before.