Selena’s world fell apart the moment Mom set her gently on the floor. Warm arms disappeared, and the room suddenly felt too big. Selena screamed, a loud, broken sound, anger and sadness tangled together. She kicked her feet, slapped the ground, and cried as if calling the warmth back by force.
Mom stood close, watching carefully. She spoke softly, promising she would return in just a moment. Selena didn’t understand moments. She only felt the loss. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she arched her back and screamed again, refusing toys, refusing comfort that wasn’t arms.
Her chest heaved, breaths coming fast. Anger burned because sadness hurt. She crawled toward Mom, then stopped, sitting hard, wailing louder. The floor felt cold against her hands. The space between them felt endless. Selena’s cries echoed, sharp and pleading, asking why love had moved away.
Mom knelt nearby, hands open, letting Selena feel seen without forcing touch. She named the feelings out loud, calm and steady. Selena listened between screams, eyes flashing with hope and frustration. She wanted to be held, but she also wanted to be understood.
Seconds passed like hours. Selena’s screams cracked into sobs. Her shoulders shook, anger draining into exhaustion. She leaned forward, palms flat, breathing unevenly. Mom moved closer, still gentle, still waiting for Selena’s signal.
At last, Selena reached up. Mom lifted her immediately, wrapping her in warmth. The screaming stopped mid breath. Selena clung tightly, face pressed into a familiar shoulder. Her body softened, sadness easing, anger fading.
Held again, Selena learned something small and important. Being put down didn’t mean being left. Love could step back and still stay close. In Mom’s arms, calm returned, and trust quietly grew. That night she slept knowing patience can live beside love, safely, gently, always, together, for her.
