The sky was still gray from the early morning clouds as Mom prepared a warm bath for little baby monkey Niko.
The small bathtub was filled with comfortably warm water, a fluffy towel rested nearby, and a fresh diaper waited on the chair.
Everything was ready.
But little Niko wasn’t.
Mom had been carrying him all morning, and he happily rested against her shoulder, listening to the comforting sound of her heartbeat.
“My sweet boy,” Mom whispered with a smile. “It’s time to get nice and clean.”
She gently lowered Niko into the shallow bathtub while keeping one hand securely around him.
At first, he looked around curiously.
Then Mom slowly loosened her hold so she could reach for the baby soap beside the tub.
For just a moment, Niko felt as if he had been put down.
His tiny face changed instantly.
His lips began to tremble.
His bright eyes filled with tears.
“Waa… waa…”
Within seconds, the soft cries turned into loud, dramatic sobs.
“WAAAAAH!”
Niko kicked his tiny legs, splashing warm water across the tub.
His little arms reached desperately toward Mom, wanting to be picked up again.
He cried so hard that his whole body tensed with emotion, startling Mom.
“Oh, sweetheart,” she said calmly, moving closer. “I’m right here.”
She immediately supported his body with both hands, keeping him safe and secure.
Dad hurried over after hearing the cries.
“Our little Niko really doesn’t like being put down today,” he said with a gentle smile.
Mom softly rubbed Niko’s back and spoke in a calm, reassuring voice.
“You are safe, my precious boy. Mommy isn’t leaving.”
Hearing her familiar voice and feeling her warm touch, Niko slowly began to settle.
His loud sobs became quiet sniffles.
His tiny fingers wrapped tightly around Mom’s hand, refusing to let go.
Mom smiled warmly.
“There you are.”
She carefully continued the bath while keeping one arm around him the whole time.
Niko soon noticed a little floating yellow duck drifting across the water.
He watched it with curious eyes.
Mom gently nudged the toy toward him.
Niko reached out and touched it.
The duck bobbed across the tub.
A tiny smile appeared on his face.
Dad laughed softly.
“I think the duck has made a new friend.”
Within a few minutes, the tears had disappeared.
Niko happily splashed the water with his tiny hands, giggling every time the duck floated back to him.
After the bath, Mom wrapped him in a soft, warm towel and cuddled him close.
She gently dried his fluffy fur before dressing him in clean clothes.
Then she prepared his favorite warm bottle of milk.
Niko eagerly drank every sip while resting peacefully in Mom’s arms.
His little tummy became full, and his heavy eyelids slowly closed.
Before falling asleep, he gently placed one tiny hand against Mom’s cheek.
Mom kissed his forehead.
“My brave little boy, even when big feelings come, Mommy will always be here to hold you.”
Dad smiled as he covered them with a cozy blanket.
“Sometimes little babies cry because they want to feel close,” he said quietly.
Mom nodded.
“And every cuddle reminds them they’re safe.”
Outside, the morning clouds slowly drifted away, and sunshine began to brighten the day.
Inside, little Niko slept peacefully in Mom’s loving embrace, his dramatic tears already forgotten, replaced by warmth, comfort, and the reassuring feeling that he would always be surrounded by love.
