The early morning sun had just begun to rise, painting the sky in soft pink and gold. Birds were chirping cheerfully, but in the small family yard, another sound filled the air — Chamroeun’s dramatic screams.
It was bath time again, and Daddy had already prepared a bowl of warm water, soap, and a towel. But baby Chamroeun, still sleepy and stubborn, had a very different idea. He didn’t want a bath — not at all.
As soon as Daddy called, “Come here, Chamroeun,” the little monkey froze. His tail curled tightly around his leg, and his eyes widened with suspicion. Then, realizing what was about to happen, he let out a loud, drawn-out cry that could be heard across the yard.
“Eee–eee–eee!” he screamed, shaking his head furiously. His tiny hands waved in protest as he crawled backward toward the corner, as if hiding could save him. Daddy chuckled softly, already used to this morning drama.
“Come on, little boy, you have to stay clean,” Daddy said with patience. But Chamroeun wasn’t listening. He stomped his feet, threw himself onto the soft mat, and cried even louder — little tears sparkling in his eyes. It was clear he was trying to persuade Daddy to skip the bath altogether.
Daddy sighed and kneeled beside him. “You’ll feel nice and fresh afterward,” he tried to reason. Chamroeun glanced up through his tears, his lower lip trembling as if saying, “Nooo, Daddy, not today!”
When Daddy gently lifted him, Chamroeun clung to his shirt, wiggling and squealing. But as soon as the warm water touched his fur, the fight began to fade. He blinked in surprise — it wasn’t cold or scary like he thought.
Daddy smiled. “See? Not so bad, huh?” He poured a little more water over Chamroeun’s back, rubbing softly. The little one sniffled, his cries shrinking to tiny whimpers. Slowly, he began to relax, enjoying the warm touch.
By the end of the bath, Chamroeun was calm and clean, wrapped snugly in a towel. His earlier tears had turned into soft giggles as Daddy dried his fur.
Daddy kissed his forehead gently. “All done, my little drama king.”
Chamroeun smiled sleepily, cuddling close — his morning tantrum now forgotten, replaced by love and warmth.
