Yuri was usually a sweet little monkey, but when Mom gently wrapped soft tape around her tiny hands to stop her from sucking her thumb, everything changed. The moment Yuri realized she couldn’t bring her fingers to her mouth, her eyes widened, her little lips curled, and a storm of anger rushed through her small body. She wiggled, kicked, and whined, trying desperately to break free. She didn’t understand it was for her own good — all she felt was frustration.
Mom watched patiently, knowing thumb-sucking could make Yuri sick or cause sores. But Yuri didn’t care about health or hygiene — she cared only that her comfort was taken away. She pulled her hands against her chest, tried to bite the tape, even rubbed them against the blanket, hoping it would fall off. When nothing worked, she screamed, a sharp cry full of emotion, shaking her whole little body.
Mom gently stroked her back, whispering soft words to calm her. But Yuri twisted away, ears down, tail twitching like a tiny lion defending her treasure. Eventually exhaustion softened her rage. She slumped into Mom’s arms, breathing fast and shaky, still glaring but less fierce. Mom kissed her head, offering warm milk. Yuri hesitated — pride still burning — but hunger won. Slowly she drank, tiny grumbles escaping between gulps.
As she finished, she leaned into Mom, anger melting into comfort. Her hands still wrapped, but her heart slowly relaxed. Mom knew tomorrow might bring the same tantrum again — but love requires patience, even through tiny battles.
Tonight Yuri slept curled in Mom’s lap, face peaceful, tape still on, thumb safe. In her dreams she wasn’t angry anymore — she was simply loved. 💛
