Little LeDuc noticed it right away.
Mom was moving away.
At first, he just stared, his tiny eyes following her every step. His body became still, as if he couldn’t believe it.
Then his face changed.
His lips trembled.
“Eee…?”
A small, confused sound escaped him.
But when Mom didn’t come back immediately—
Everything exploded.
“EEEEEE!”
LeDuc began extremely shouting loudly, his voice sharp and full of panic. His tiny body shook as he cried harder and louder.
“Eee! Eee!”
He reached forward, his small hands stretching out, desperately calling her back. Being left, even for a moment, felt too much for him.
His cries echoed through the space.
Loud.
Urgent.
Heartbreaking.
He couldn’t calm down.
He didn’t understand why she left.
He only knew he needed her.
His body leaned forward, almost stumbling as he tried to move toward her, still shouting loudly.
Then—
Mom turned back.
She quickly came to him.
The moment she got close, LeDuc cried even louder for a second, reaching up immediately to be held.
Mom picked him up.
Instantly—
The screaming softened.
His body relaxed as he clung tightly to her, holding on as if he didn’t want to let go again.
Now safe in her arms, LeDuc became quiet, his breathing slowly calming.
For little LeDuc, even a short separation feels overwhelming—because all he wants is to stay close to the one who makes him feel safe.
