The moment felt small to anyone else—but not to Jasmine.
One second, she was safe in her mom’s arms, warm and comforted. The next, she was gently placed on the table to wait. It was only supposed to be for a short moment.
But Jasmine didn’t understand “wait.”
Her face froze.
Then suddenly—she exploded.
A loud, piercing scream filled the room as her tiny body stiffened with anger. “Ahhh!” she cried, her voice sharp and full of protest. Her little hands flailed wildly, and her legs kicked against the table in frustration.
Tears came instantly.
Hot, fast, unstoppable.
She rolled onto her side, then onto her back, her small body twisting dramatically as she cried louder and louder. The table shook slightly beneath her movements, her emotions spilling out in every direction.
To her, it wasn’t just being put down.
It felt like being left.
“Mom!” her cries seemed to shout, even without words.
Her mom turned quickly, startled by the sudden outburst. “Jasmine…” she said, rushing closer.
But Jasmine couldn’t calm down.
She kept screaming, rolling, reaching out with desperate little hands. Her tiny face was red with emotion, her whole body overwhelmed by the feeling of being alone, even for a second.
Seeing this, her mom didn’t hesitate.
She scooped Jasmine up right away.
Instantly, Jasmine clung to her, her cries still loud but already softening. Her small fingers gripped tightly, as if afraid to be put down again.
“I’m here… I’ve got you,” her mom whispered, rocking her gently.
Slowly, the screams faded into quiet sobs.
The rolling stopped.
And in the safety of her mom’s arms, Jasmine finally felt whole again—because sometimes, even a moment apart can feel like forever to a little heart.
