Little Shiloh swung excitedly from a low branch, his tiny fingers gripping the rough bark. The jungle was his playground, and every leaf, twig, and rock felt like a new adventure. But today, he had pushed his luck too far.
Mama Spring had told him not to wander off near the river. The water was fast, and she had seen too many little ones struggle in its grasp. But Shiloh, full of energy and mischief, had ignored her warnings.
With a daring leap, he had scampered down the riverbank, splashing his tiny feet in the cool water. The ripples felt exciting, and the fish darting below made him giggle. But then—a sudden slip! His little body tumbled forward, and for a brief moment, he felt the terrifying pull of the current.
Before he could cry out, strong hands yanked him back onto dry land. Mama Spring!
Her eyes blazed with worry and anger as she hugged him tightly, her heart pounding against his tiny body. But the relief quickly turned to fury.
“Shiloh! I told you not to go near the river!” she scolded, her voice trembling. “You could have been swept away!”
Shiloh, still shaken, lowered his head. He had never seen Mama this upset.
She held him at arm’s length, her grip firm but loving. “You must listen, little one. I don’t scold you to be mean—I do it because I love you.”
Shiloh sniffled and nodded, realizing his mistake. Mama Spring pulled him into another hug, this time softer.
That night, curled up safely in her arms, he promised himself—he would never scare Mama like that again.
