Baby Ricky woke up alone, his tiny hands reaching into empty air. The familiar warmth of his mother was gone, replaced by silence. Confused and frightened, he let out a small cry that quickly grew louder, echoing through the wooden room.
Ricky crawled toward the doorway, eyes wide and wet. He didn’t know that Mom had gone to the busy market early that morning, carrying baskets and worries, hoping to return with food for both of them. All Ricky knew was that she wasn’t there.
His cries turned desperate. He rocked back and forth, calling in the only way he could. Every sound felt unanswered. His belly rumbled, his throat felt dry, and his heart felt heavy with fear. To a baby, waiting feels endless.
Outside, the sun climbed higher. Inside, Ricky’s tears soaked the floor beneath him. He hugged himself, trying to be brave, but loneliness is too big for such a small body. He imagined Mom’s face, her soft eyes, her gentle hands, and cried even harder.
At the market, Mom suddenly paused. Over the noise of voices and footsteps, she felt something tighten in her chest. A mother’s heart knows. She rushed through the crowd, forgetting the baskets, forgetting everything except her baby.
When she finally reached home, she heard the cries before she opened the door. Ricky was trembling, exhausted from crying. The moment Mom picked him up, his sobs softened. His body relaxed, melting into her arms.
She whispered apologies, rocking him gently. Ricky’s tears slowed, replaced by quiet sniffles. The world felt safe again.
Mom held him close, promising silently that even when she must leave, her love never does. And Ricky, wrapped in warmth once more, believed her completely. In her arms, Ricky learned that waiting hurts, but reunion always heals everything inside.
