The afternoon was calm, sunlight flickering through the trees, but baby Max was anything but calm. His tiny body sat stiff and tense on the wooden floor, his arms crossed, his little tail flicking side to side like a sign of protest. Something had made him upset — and now, he wasn’t going to forgive easily.
Mom approached slowly, her gentle eyes full of concern. “What’s wrong, Max?” she cooed softly, crouching beside him. But Max didn’t move. He turned his body sharply, sitting backward with his back toward her, refusing even to look. His small chest puffed out, and he gave a dramatic snort, clearly sending the message: I’m mad at you, Mom!
It had all started a few minutes earlier when Mom had stopped him from climbing too high on a slippery branch. She had pulled him down quickly to keep him safe, but Max took it as an insult to his bravery. Now, in his little mind, he was sure Mom didn’t trust him — and his pride was wounded.
Mom chuckled softly, reaching out to pick him up, but Max wriggled away, moaning sharply. His body stayed stiff, his face full of attitude. He even gave a small side glance, just to make sure she saw his dramatic refusal.
“Come on, sweetheart,” Mom whispered, trying again. But Max turned his face away completely, sitting cool and proud, pretending not to care.
For a while, they stayed like that — Mom patiently waiting, Max silently sulking. Then, as the moments passed, his anger began to melt. His shoulders slumped, and his breathing slowed. He peeked over his shoulder, eyes softening just a little.
Mom caught the look and smiled knowingly. “You done being mad, my little man?” she asked gently.
Finally, Max sighed, turned around, and crawled into her arms. His tail curled around her waist as he buried his face against her chest, letting out one last quiet grumble before relaxing completely.
Mom stroked his fur, whispering, “It’s okay to be mad sometimes, baby. Mommy still loves you.”
And just like that, the storm inside Max’s tiny heart faded away — replaced once more by warmth, safety, and love.
