Today is the happiest I have ever been in a while, you probably don't have any idea how much. 😭😭💗💖 Let me tell you anyway.
But first, a backstory.
I was in that cart together with some other things people in the village needed. The villagers took one thing after the other but not me. I guess I am not that important. Afterall, who needs a barely alive little plant when you have ready-to-cook food items and other non-food essentials available in the cart as better choices? I was the least of all options. It made me kinda sad, but then, what can I do? It's not as if I can force them to pick me.
So, I waited. And waited. And waited some more.
You see, it has always been my belief, and the belief of all tomatoes that came before me in that cart, that all things happen for a reason. I just have to patiently wait and pray desperately that I get to know the reason soon.
Tadaaa! 🤗 That reason came through you, Miss Ma'am. You were meant to be my hooman!
I couldn't believe it when I heard you telling the cart driver that you were picking me. And for half a sack of potatoes! Me!! So, am I important, afterall?
Going back to the house with me gently cradled in your gentle hands, you were mumbling too many words, my small ears couldn't keep up. But there is one thing I did however caught on because you have repeatedly inserted it in between words. Jeong Hyeok. It must be really important to be deserving of being mentioned by a pretty lady such as you.
I wasn't left wondering for long. And no, it was not an it. Jeong Hyeok is a hooman like you, Miss Ma'am! A towering, grumpy, handsome hooman!
"Jeong Hyeok, meet Cherry!"
Cherry? Who is Cherry?! But wait, why are you both looking at me? Am I Cherry?
"You gave a name to a tomato? And, Cherry?"
"Why not? A name gives someone a sense of importance. That it belongs. To be respected. You and I have one. So, the tomato should have hers."
Ohhhhh. I am important, Miss Ma'am? I belong here? I love you already!
Wait, my hooman is STILL talking.
"Besides, I am giving her to you. She is yours. Be good to her."
What? Why?
"I am very thankful to you. Hence, this is a special thank you present. Think of Cherry as a pet and raise her with love, okay? Say ten nice words to her every day so she'll grow healthy and big and bear many mini-Cherries."
"You are thankful to me but you traded my OWN sack of potatoes for a plant." said Mr. Grumpy Man. He is handsome and tall but grumpy. Hmp!
Jeong Hyeok-shii..
I looked at my lady hooman. She was pouting. When I first looked at her, I thought she was pretty. But now. I was mesmerized. My hooman is adorably cute! 😍😍
"Fine, fine. You win, Seri-yah. I'm gonna keep her. We are gonna keep her. We are gonna flood her with ten nice words every day, she'll grow tired of it already and cover her ears."
My lady's name is Seri-yah? Pretty. And her face lit up! I saw her eyes turned crescent moon with happiness as she threw herself to the grumpy man. He caught her in a hug so tight, I wonder if she didn't break any bones.
"I love you, I love you, looove you Ri Jeong Hyeok-shii!!"
"And I love you, Seri. So much that I'll allow a tomato as a pet and name her Cherry."
"Can we get her a red ribbon as a necklace, too, Jeong Hyeok-shii? I bet she's gonna be prettier with it. And, oh, a nice pot with a pretty cover, too."
"Whatever will make you happy, my Seri. Whatever will make you happy."
I watched teary-eyed and with a happy heart as Mr. Grumpy (not) gave my lady hooman a kiss on the forehead, the tenderest of all kisses, and then wrapped her in the gentlest of embrace.
Fate. Seri-yah. Jeong Hyeok. Kindness. Family. Laughter. Respect. Commitment. Trust. Love.
My ten nice words. I have found my hoomans. My home. Where their heartbeats will help me grow healthy and safe and beautiful. My heart is full.
- The End -
Author's Notes
Here it is, my entry for D-3 (Growth) for this year's #CLOYTOBER!!
I do not own any of the images used in this story. Credits to the original owner/s.
Thank you again, dear readers, for appreciating my work. It inspires and motivates me to do better.
Stay safe and healthy. And most importantly, be kind to all kinds.
