On a small farm nestled in the green hills of the Jamaican countryside, a little girl named Tia lived with her mother, Mama Nora. Their home was surrounded by golden sugarcane fields, clucking hens, and bright red hibiscus flowers that swayed gently in the breeze. Tia loved her home, but what she loved even more was visiting her friends across the valleys.

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“Tia,” Mama Nora said one morning as they sat on the verandah eating fried dumplings and ackee, “you must listen to me now. When you go visiting, do not eat anything from anyone. You never know if it’s good food or bad food. People can hide poison in things.”

Tia wrinkled her nose. “But Mama, why would anyone want to poison me? Everyone in the hills is kind!”

Mama Nora gave her a knowing look. “Kind faces don’t always mean kind hearts. Just promise me you’ll remember.”

Tia nodded, though she didn’t really understand. She packed a small basket with water and a piece of sweet potato pudding before skipping off into the sunshine.

Her first stop was Miss Ivy’s goat farm. Miss Ivy’s grandson, Levi, was one of her best friends. He was already outside feeding the goats.
“Tia!” Levi called out. “Come help me!”

Tia ran over and patted the goats, laughing as one tried to nibble her basket. After helping Levi, Miss Ivy came out with a plate of warm coco bread.
“Come, pickney, taste this fresh from the oven!” Miss Ivy smiled warmly.

Tia froze. She could still hear her mother’s warning. “No, thank you,” she said shyly. “I brought my own food.”

Miss Ivy looked a little surprised but didn’t press her. Tia and Levi sat under the mango tree, sharing her pudding and laughing as a goat tried to climb up the hill.

Next, Tia went to visit her friend Anika, who lived near the river. Anika was making a clay pot with her grandmother.
“Come, Tia, make one with us!” Anika said.

Tia joined in, shaping the clay with her hands. When they were done, Anika’s grandmother offered a slice of roasted breadfruit.
“Have some, little one,” she said kindly.

Tia hesitated. “No, thank you. My mama said I shouldn’t eat from anyone.”

Anika’s grandmother chuckled softly. “Your mama is wise. It’s good to be careful. But remember, not everyone has bad intentions.”

Tia thought about that as she walked back home, the sun setting behind the hills. At home, she told Mama Nora about her day and how she refused every offer of food.

Mama Nora nodded proudly. “You listened, and I’m glad. But remember, Tia, it’s not just about saying no. It’s about knowing who to trust and always being aware.”

From then on, Tia carried her own snacks but also learned to understand the people in her community better. Over time, she saw that while her mother’s advice was important, trust and kindness were just as powerful.

And so, Tia continued her visits across the hills and valleys, always careful, always learning, and always surrounded by the beauty of friendship in the countryside.

The End