A Tong woke up already grumpy, his tiny face scrunched and his tail flicking with irritation. He didn’t want to play. He wanted his mom’s arms, warmth, and quiet comfort. But today, his mom had other plans.
She placed him firmly on the wooden table, tapping it with a sharp sound. A Tong froze. His eyes narrowed, lips pushed out, and his whole body stiffened. This was not what he wanted. He crossed his arms, turning his head away in protest, letting out an angry squeak that echoed his mood.
His mom tried again, sliding a toy toward him. A Tong slapped it away. His brows furrowed, cheeks puffed, and his anger grew. Being forced made everything worse. The table felt big, exposed, and unfair. He stomped his tiny feet, shaking with frustration, his eyes flashing with emotion.
Mom sighed but stayed calm. She didn’t yell. She sat beside him, steady and patient. Slowly, she demonstrated the game herself, clapping softly, smiling gently. A Tong watched from the corner of his eye, still mad, still moody, but curious.
Minutes passed. His anger softened into confusion. Then curiosity. One tiny finger reached out, touching the toy again. This time, he didn’t push it away. He copied her movement, hesitant but trying.
When his mom clapped quietly, A Tong felt something shift. He wasn’t being punished. She wanted him to learn, to grow, to be brave. His shoulders relaxed. The anger melted into a shy pout.
By the end, A Tong played on the table, not forced, but choosing. He leaned against his mom, tired but calm. Even moody hearts learn best when guided with patience, love, and understanding.
Love turned his anger into trust, teaching safety, boundaries, and growth together daily.
