Selena stood near the doorway, her mouth wide open as she shouted with all her strength. Mom was getting ready to go outside for work, and Selena knew exactly what that meant—being left behind. Her small heart couldn’t accept it. She screamed loudly, eyes locked on Mom, demanding to go along no matter what.
Mom tried to explain gently, tying her shoes and speaking calmly. But Selena didn’t listen. She shouted again, louder, bouncing in place with impatience. Her arms waved wildly as if she could pull Mom back with sound alone. To Selena, outside meant adventure, safety, and closeness. Staying behind felt like losing everything important.
She ran closer, tugging at Mom’s clothes, her voice cracking with desperation. Each shout carried the same message—take me with you. Her face flushed red, cheeks puffed, mouth still wide as she cried nonstop. Mom paused, kneeling down to meet her eyes, heart torn between responsibility and love.
Mom hugged Selena briefly, whispering reassurance. She promised to return soon. But promises felt invisible to Selena. The door opening made her scream once more, sharp and painful to hear. She dropped to the floor, crying hard as Mom stepped outside, watching until the door closed.
The room fell quiet except for Selena’s sobs. Slowly, her cries softened. She crawled to the door and sat there, exhausted, eyes fixed on the space where Mom disappeared. Fear faded into waiting. After a while, familiar footsteps returned. The door opened. Selena gasped, then screamed again—this time with joy. She rushed forward, clinging tightly as Mom lifted her up. The shouting stopped instantly. Selena buried her face against Mom’s neck, breathing fast but happy. She didn’t go to work that day—but she learned something powerful. Mom might leave, but she always comes back. And that truth slowly made the outside world feel less scary.
