It was just five minutes. Mom had stepped out to grab a fresh bottle of milk. But to little Jolie, those five minutes felt like forever.
She sat on the soft mat in the living room, holding her favorite toy in one hand and glancing at the door every few seconds. When Mom didn’t come back right away, her tiny face scrunched with frustration.
“Eek! Eek!!” she shouted, tossing her toy aside and stomping her feet.
She ran to the door and peeked out, but no sign of Mom. Jolie puffed her cheeks, tail flicking, clearly getting more upset by the second. She flopped on the floor and rolled around in protest, making sure her tiny groans could be heard throughout the house.
By the time Mom returned, holding the warm milk bottle with a smile, Jolie was fuming.
“There you are, baby!” Mom said cheerfully.
But Jolie turned her head away and crossed her arms. Silent treatment.
Mom kneeled beside her, offering the bottle. “I’m sorry, Jolie. I didn’t mean to leave you all alone.”
Jolie peeked from the corner of her eye, saw the bottle… and slowly reached for it—but not before giving Mom a dramatic pout, just to let her know she was still mad.
As she drank, her body relaxed, and she leaned into Mom’s lap. She was still a bit moody, but deep down, she was just scared when left alone.
Mom hugged her tight. “I’ll always come back for you, my little girl.”
Jolie gave a soft sigh and nuzzled closer, finally at peace.
