Doddy’s small body trembled as he stood in the middle of the room, eyes wide, ears alert, heart racing. The moment he realized his mom was not nearby, panic rushed through him like a sudden storm. His lips quivered first, then his voice burst out, loud and sharp, fluttering through the air as he cried with everything he had. To Doddy, waiting even one minute felt unbearable.
He flapped his arms nervously, pacing in circles, calling again and again for his mom to hurry back. His cries were dramatic, rising and falling, filled with urgency and fear. Each sound carried the same message: Please don’t leave me. His tiny chest heaved as he screamed, breathless, eyes darting toward every doorway, hoping to see her appear.
Caregivers tried to soothe him, speaking softly, offering toys, gently touching his back. Doddy pushed everything away. Nothing mattered except his mom. He threw himself down briefly, then jumped back up, crying louder, as if volume alone could pull her closer. Tears streaked his face, and his voice cracked, but still he called.
Time moved slowly. Doddy’s cries echoed off the walls, fluttering with desperation. His body shook, not from anger, but from pure attachment. He had learned that mom meant safety, warmth, and comfort. Without her, the world felt too big and frightening.
Then, suddenly, footsteps. Doddy froze. His ears lifted. The door opened, and there she was. The moment he saw his mom, his cries exploded one last time before collapsing into sobs. He ran toward her, clinging tightly, burying his face into her chest.
His breathing slowed as she held him, stroking his back, whispering reassurance. The drama faded into relief. Doddy stayed pressed close, afraid to let go, proof that his loud cries were never misbehavior. They were love, fear, and trust wrapped together in the voice of a baby who only wanted his mom to come home.
