The Old Couple and the Sparrows

Every afternoon, I go to Nha Trang beach to exercise. That is my favorite time - when the sun is mild, the sea breeze is cool, and the atmosphere is calm after a long day. I go there not only to exercise, but also to enjoy the relaxation, to see familiar things that feel new every day.

And what I always waited for was the moment an old couple appeared. They always brought something very special: a small bag of rice. They came to the lawn not to watch the sea or take pictures, but to spread rice for the sparrows. The birds seemed to have recognized them from afar, chirping and flying close to their feet, picking up each small grain of rice as if welcoming a familiar meal. I stood from afar, witnessing that scene and felt warm in my heart. To the old couple, they were like old friends. No need to train, no need to call, just enough love and regularity, and it became a wordless bond.

Near where they sat, there was an old stone pedestal with a small depression on the surface of the stone, where a little water often gathered. I noticed that every time they came, they would pour fresh water into it. And miraculously, after the sparrows had finished eating, as usual, they would come down to drink water in that same spot.

I started to follow suit. At first out of curiosity, then it became a habit. Now, every afternoon when I exercise, I carry a small bottle of water with me. When I get close to the pedestal, I pour some more water, then stand still and watch the little birds enjoy this simple gift from humans.

The sea is still the same in the afternoon - immense and gentle. But it is the small and simple things like that that make the landscape more vivid and emotional than ever...

NGUYEN THANH TAM

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/sang-tac/202505/vo-chong-gia-va-bay-chim-se-b9c098a/