Baby monkey Bella had always been a little troublemaker. Smart, playful, and full of tricks, she knew exactly how to get out of situations she didn’t like. Today, she had one goal—avoid bath time at all costs!
Her mother had already prepared the warm water, but Bella had other plans. As soon as she saw the towel in her mother’s hands, she quickly dashed across the room and hid underneath it, wrapping herself up tightly like a tiny burrito.
Her mother, amused but determined, walked over and gently pulled at the edges of the towel.
“Come on, Bella. It’s bath time,” she said in a calm voice.
But Bella was a master negotiator. She peeked out just a little, her big, round eyes blinking innocently.
“No bath! Bella clean already!” she chirped in her monkey way, as if trying to convince her mom that she didn’t need a wash.
Her mother chuckled and reached for her again, but Bella quickly pulled the towel over her head.
“Five minutes, okay?” she squeaked, hoping to delay the inevitable.
Her mother wasn’t falling for it. “You’ve already delayed five minutes… and ten more before that,” she said patiently, tugging at the towel again.
Bella clung to it with all her strength. “No! Bella cold!” she argued, using her tiny hands to wrap herself even tighter.
But her mother knew her tricks too well. She gently lifted Bella, towel and all, and carried her toward the water. Bella squealed, trying to negotiate one last time.
“Okay! Bella bath… but only splash!” she bargained.
Her mother laughed and placed her into the warm water. The moment Bella felt the warmth, her protests softened. A few splashes later, she was happily playing, completely forgetting about her dramatic negotiation!
