The moment felt small—but not to Yuri.
She stood there, her tiny hands still reaching forward as her mom handed her a cup of water. It wasn’t what she wanted. Not right now. And before she could even understand it, her mom turned and began to walk away.
Yuri froze.
Her face tightened, lips trembling as confusion turned into frustration. “Eh… eh…!” she called, her voice rising quickly. She didn’t want water.
She wanted Mom.
Now.
When her mom didn’t turn back, everything exploded.
A loud scream burst out, sharp and emotional. Yuri stomped her feet, her small body shaking as tears rushed down her cheeks. She waved her arms, the cup slipping slightly in her grip as she cried louder and louder.
“Mama! Mama!”
Her voice echoed, filled with anger and hurt. She couldn’t understand why Mom would leave right after giving her something she didn’t even ask for.
She dropped down, kicking lightly, her tantrum growing bigger with every second. The water cup tilted, a few drops spilling, but Yuri didn’t care. Her world had already flipped.
She felt left.
Ignored.
Her cries became desperate, reaching out for the one thing she needed most—her mom’s presence.
Then—
Footsteps.
Her mom turned back, hearing the urgency in Yuri’s cries. “Yuri…” she said softly, walking quickly toward her.
The moment she got close, Yuri reached out instantly, still crying but now full of relief. She didn’t push her away. She didn’t want the water.
She just wanted her.
Her mom knelt down, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “I’m here,” she whispered, holding her close.
Slowly, the screams softened into quiet sobs.
Because sometimes, it’s not about what’s given—
It’s about who stays.
