Mali and Grandma's Mango Sticky Rice

On Saturday morning, Mali woke to the sweet smell of coconut milk. Grandma was washing ripe yellow mangoes for mango sticky rice. It was Mali's favorite dessert, so she asked to help right away.

Grandma showed Mali how to spoon the sticky rice gently onto a plate and drizzle a small circle of coconut milk over it. Mali arranged the mango slices like a golden sun.

When they finished, Mali saw a neighbor resting outside. He had just helped Grandma carry something heavy, but Mali had planned to keep every bite of the dessert for herself.

Grandma did not tell Mali what to do. She only smiled and asked, “How might someone feel if they could rest with a tasty treat after helping us?” Mali thought for a moment, then divided the dessert onto another plate.

The three of them ate beneath the mango tree. The neighbor said Grandma's coconut milk was the most fragrant he had tasted. Mali smiled, knowing that the shared plate was sweeter than a plate eaten alone.

Care and sharing make an ordinary treat warmer.