Chichi squeezed her eyes tightly shut, her tiny face twisted in pure drama the moment mom gently stopped her from sucking her finger. What had always been comfort was suddenly taken away, and to Chichi, that felt completely unfair. Her lips trembled, her brows frowned deeply, and then the anger arrived.
She let out a loud cry, shaking her head side to side in protest. Her small hands searched for her finger again, but mom held them softly, trying to help her learn a new habit. Chichi didn’t understand weaning. She only understood that something she loved was gone.
Her eyes stayed tightly closed, as if refusing to see the world without that comfort. She cried louder, her body stiffening with frustration. Each breath came fast and shaky. She kicked her legs slightly, expressing her anger the only way she knew how. This wasn’t just a tantrum. It was loss.
Mom stayed calm, though her heart felt heavy. She rubbed Chichi’s back gently and spoke in a soft voice, explaining even though Chichi couldn’t understand the words. The touch was loving, but Chichi wasn’t ready to accept it yet. She cried harder, turning her face away, still keeping her eyes shut dramatically.
Minutes passed. The crying slowly changed. The sharp screams softened into tired sobs. Chichi’s body relaxed just a little. Mom offered a toy, then a gentle hug. At first, Chichi resisted, but eventually she leaned into the warmth, still sniffing, still upset.
Her eyes opened slowly, lashes wet with tears. She looked at mom, checking her face, trying to understand. The finger was still gone, but mom was still there. That mattered.
Mom kissed Chichi’s forehead and held her close. Chichi rested her head against mom’s chest, no longer screaming, just breathing softly. The anger faded into comfort.
That moment taught something important. Growing up can feel painful. Letting go of small comforts can break a little heart. But with patience, love, and gentle arms, even dramatic anger can turn into calm.
Chichi didn’t lose comfort that day.
She learned to find it in mom instead.
