Selena screamed with all her strength, her face twisted in anger as the red dates sat in mom’s hand. She wanted them now, all at once, without waiting, without rules. Her voice echoed sharp and loud, shaking with frustration. To Selena, advice felt like refusal, and refusal felt like loss.
Mom stayed calm. She knelt to Selena’s level, eyes soft, voice steady. She explained slowly, showing how the red dates were sweet but needed patience. Selena didn’t want explanations. She wanted control. She stamped her feet, threw her head back, and screamed again, louder than before.
The anger wasn’t about food alone. It was about independence growing faster than understanding. Selena’s hands grabbed, then pushed away. Her breathing came fast, uneven, full of fire. Mom reached out, but Selena turned aside, offended by guidance.
Mom didn’t raise her voice. She waited. She let the storm pass through that small body. When Selena paused to breathe, mom spoke again, gentle but firm. She showed one red date, cut small, offered slowly. Choice returned. Safety returned.
Selena hesitated. Her eyes flicked between the dates and mom’s face. Another cry tried to rise, but it fell apart halfway. Hunger and trust battled inside her. Finally, she took the piece, biting angrily, chewing with exaggerated motions.
The sweetness surprised her. The screaming stopped. Her shoulders dropped. Mom smiled softly, not celebrating, just staying present. She reminded Selena with touch and tone that guidance was care, not control.
More small pieces followed. Selena ate quietly now, occasionally glancing up. The anger drained away, replaced by calm and comfort. Advice had not taken anything from her. It had protected her.
By the end, Selena leaned against mom, tired but settled. The red dates were gone. The lesson remained. Big feelings don’t need force. They need patience, boundaries, and love that stays steady even when screams are loud.
