The sun rose brightly over the small village, casting golden light across the wooden house and the surrounding greenery.
Kiaan, now nearly 2 years old, had grown stronger and more curious. Today, Mi‑un decided to give him a little more freedom to walk on his own. She knelt a few feet away from him, smiling encouragingly.
"Come on, Kiaan… you can do it!" she called softly.
The baby looked at her, wobbling slightly on his tiny legs. Then, slowly, he took one step. And another.
Mi‑un held her breath. "Yes… yes!" she cheered quietly, clapping her hands. Kiaan giggled, proud of himself, and wobbled forward without stopping.
Step by step, he walked confidently toward her. Mi‑un's eyes filled with tears—not of fear, but of joy.
"You're amazing, Kiaan… my little hero," she whispered, scooping him into her arms once he reached her. He laughed and babbled excitedly, clapping his hands as if celebrating his achievement.
---
Afterward, Mi‑un took him outside to explore the little village paths. Kiaan toddled confidently, stopping to touch flowers, poke at leaves, and examine tiny insects. He squealed with delight whenever a butterfly landed nearby.
Mi‑un walked beside him, sometimes holding his hand, sometimes letting him explore on his own, always close enough to catch him if he stumbled.
"Kiaan… be careful!" she warned playfully when he reached a small rock. He looked up at her, smiled, and with a tiny "Sorry…" clapped his hands, making her laugh again.
Village children gathered, watching in awe. "Look at him! He's walking like a little champion!" one whispered.
Mi‑un smiled, her heart swelling. She had come a long way—from carrying her child into a new country alone to now seeing him grow strong and independent, learning, laughing, and discovering the world.
---
By the afternoon, Kiaan had explored nearly every corner of the small yard. He ran toward Mi‑un, fell into her arms, and babbled excitedly about his little adventures. She hugged him tightly, brushing crumbs and dust from his clothes.
"You've grown so fast… every day you amaze me," she murmured. "MK… you would be proud of him."
Kiaan, sensing her emotion, reached up to touch her cheek and babbled softly, trying to make her smile. Mi‑un laughed, tears sliding down her cheeks.
Outside, the wind carried the faint rustle of trees, the laughter of children, and the faintest sense of peace. The small wooden house in Cambodia was now a home—a place of growth, joy, and love.
And as Kiaan toddled a few more steps toward her, Mi‑un whispered, "One day, you'll run everywhere, little one… but no
matter how far, I'll always be here."