Soon, she found the old woman’s hut and knocked on the door.

"Grandmother, have you seen my cloth?" she asked, pretending to be worried.

The old woman smiled kindly. "Yes, I have. But first, will you help me with some chores?"

Bawang Merah wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Me? Work? No way! Just give me my cloth and the big pumpkin, and I’ll be on my way!"

The old woman sighed but handed her the large pumpkin as requested. Bawang Merah snatched it rudely and ran home excitedly.

When she arrived, her mother eagerly took the pumpkin and smashed it open, expecting riches.

But instead of gold and gems, hundreds of venomous snakes slithered out! Hissing and coiling, the snakes lunged toward them.

Bawang Merah and her mother screamed in terror and ran for their lives.

Terrified and ashamed, Bawang Merah finally realized her mistakes. With tears in her eyes, she turned to Bawang Putih.

"Sister, I have been so cruel to you. I now see that greed and selfishness only bring misfortune. I am so sorry for everything. Can you forgive me?"

Seeing her stepsister’s sincerity, Bawang Putih smiled warmly and embraced her. "Of course, I forgive you. We can start again as a family."

Touched by her kindness, their stepmother also admitted her faults. She vowed to change and treat Bawang Putih as her own daughter.

Using the wealth from the first pumpkin, Bawang Putih ensured that they all lived comfortably, sharing their fortune with those in need. (*)