The Tummy Secret

Hi! My name is Lea. I live in the sunny Philippines with my kind Lola Elena. Her house always smells of sweet jasmine and warm rice.

My Mommy went to work far away when I was little. I missed her very much, even though Lola told me wonderful stories every day.

Then, one day, Mommy came home! She brought a new friend, Tito Ben, who had a warm smile. I hoped everything would be happy now.

I moved to Mommy’s new house. It was bigger and quieter than Lola’s. I had my own room, but it felt a little empty sometimes.

But then, when I turned ten, something strange started. Mommy would often reach out and gently pinch my tummy.

It wasn't a mean pinch, but it made my stomach feel fluttery. Why did Mommy do it? I felt confused and a little sad.

My best friend, Nico, noticed I was quiet. "What's wrong, Lea?" he asked, kicking at a pebble with his bare foot.

I told Nico about Mommy's tummy pinch. He thought hard. "Maybe she's looking for something hidden inside?" he wondered aloud.

Nico’s idea sparked a memory. I remembered my old room at Lola’s. There was a special, carved wooden chest there.

I rushed back to Lola’s house. "Lola, the wooden chest!" I cried. Lola smiled. "That chest holds memories, anak. From your Papa."

I remembered Papa. He used to tell me stories about a "lucky charm" he kept safe. He’d playfully point to his tummy when he talked about it.

Could the pinch be a secret message? A clue from Papa, through Mommy? A spark of excitement lit up inside me.

I went back to Mommy's house. I looked in the mirror, poking my own tummy gently. No charm there! Just my belly button.