It was a calm afternoon under the shady trees near the house. Yuri, the little mischievous baby monkey, was sitting on a bamboo bench with her legs sprawled every which way, looking as carefree as ever. Her fluffy fur gleamed under the gentle sunlight, and her playful eyes sparkled with mischief.
Mom glanced over from where she was sorting freshly picked fruit. “Yuri,” Mom said in a calm but firm voice, “sit properly.”
That was all it took.
Yuri’s eyes widened dramatically, as if Mom had just delivered the most unfair punishment imaginable. Her little lips curled into a pout, and she let out a long, exaggerated squeal of protest.
“Noooo!” she screeched, flopping onto her back like she’d been struck by a great tragedy. She waved her arms wildly, kicking her tiny legs as though sitting properly was the worst fate a monkey could face.
Mom raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Really, Yuri?”
But Yuri was already deep in her dramatic performance. She rolled onto her side, clutching her belly like she was in agony, moaning pitifully as if Mom had asked her to climb the tallest tree in the forest instead of simply sitting straight.
A few curious troop members peeked over, wondering what all the fuss was about. One older monkey chuckled softly, shaking her head at Yuri’s flair for theatrics.
Mom sighed and walked over to the little drama queen. She gently scooped Yuri up and placed her back on the bench. “There, is that better?” Mom asked with a playful smirk.
Yuri sniffled, pretending to wipe away imaginary tears. Then, realizing her tantrum hadn’t worked, she crossed her arms and sat properly—still pouting, of course.
Mom chuckled. “Such a little actress,” she murmured, ruffling Yuri’s fur.
And just like that, peace returned… until Yuri decided the world needed another show.
