Selena stood in the middle of the room, her mouth stretched wide, her voice bursting out louder than anyone expected from such a small body. She was young, impatient, and full of emotion. Every sound she made was a command to the world, especially to Mom. Hurry up. Come now. Don’t make me wait.
She called again and again, her voice echoing sharply. Her eyes searched the doorway, her head tilting with each cry, hoping Mom would appear instantly. Waiting felt unbearable. Selena’s little feet stamped the floor as frustration bubbled over. To her, time moved too slowly.
Mom was nearby, busy with chores, hands moving fast but never fast enough for Selena. She called out gently, telling Selena to wait just a moment. But Selena didn’t understand “moment.” She only understood need. Her hunger for attention, comfort, and closeness exploded into louder cries.
Her big mouth opened even wider, her cheeks puffed, her voice cracking between shouting and whining. Tears gathered but didn’t fall yet. She was determined to be heard. Her body leaned forward as if her voice alone could pull Mom closer.
Finally, footsteps approached. Selena froze mid-cry. Her eyes widened. Mom appeared, slightly breathless, concern written across her face. The moment Selena saw her, the shouting stopped. Her mouth slowly closed, replaced by trembling lips.
Mom knelt down and opened her arms. Selena rushed forward, collapsing into her embrace. The loud voice disappeared, replaced by soft sobs against Mom’s chest. All the tension poured out at once. Mom held her tightly, whispering calming sounds, rocking gently.
Selena’s breathing slowed. Her body relaxed. The big mouth that shouted so loudly now rested quietly against Mom’s shoulder. In that moment, she didn’t need to call anymore. She was already where she wanted to be.
Sometimes the loudest cries aren’t about anger. They are about longing. And when Mom finally comes, even the noisiest little heart finds peace, safety, and love in her arms
