The morning at the sanctuary had been calm — birds chirping, sunlight spilling through the trees, and a gentle breeze carrying the smell of fresh fruit. Chamroeun’s mom was busy tidying up the little corner where they usually rested, humming softly to herself. She thought her son was still playing nearby, quietly occupied as usual.
But out of nowhere, a piercing scream shattered the peaceful air. Chamroeun stood just a few feet away, his tiny body trembling with frustration, mouth wide open as he let out a cry so loud it made every head in the area turn.
Mom froze, her hands mid-air, eyes widening in shock. She had never heard him scream like that before. Dropping what she was doing, she rushed over to him. “Chamroeun! What happened?!” her eyes searched his face for signs of pain or fear.
But Chamroeun wasn’t hurt — he was simply furious. His favorite toy had rolled under a wooden bench, far out of his reach. He had tried pulling at the edge, even tapping it with his tiny hands, but nothing worked. His frustration built until it erupted into the scream that startled everyone.
Mom knelt down, her heartbeat still racing from the shock, and gently pulled the toy out. “Here,” she said softly, placing it in his little hands. Instantly, Chamroeun’s cries stopped, replaced by a small sniffle and a relieved smile.
She let out a deep breath, both amused and bewildered by her son’s dramatic reaction. “You scared me half to death,” she murmured, pulling him into her arms.
Chamroeun hugged her back tightly, completely unaware of the chaos he had just caused — but happy now that his little world was back in order.
