It was a peaceful morning, but baby monkey Mato had decided to disrupt the calm with his infamous mood swings. His mom had gently set him on the ground near the porch, hoping he’d entertain himself for a while. Little did she know, Mato had no intention of being ignored.
The moment her hands left him, Mato’s face scrunched into a pout. He glanced up, his eyes wide with indignation, and let out a sharp cry that echoed across the yard. When his mom didn’t immediately turn back, Mato flopped dramatically onto the ground.
His tiny hands slapped the dirt as he kicked his legs in frustration. Tears welled up in his eyes as he cried out, Why aren’t you picking me up, Mom? His wails grew louder, and he rolled onto his side, throwing glances toward her, hoping for sympathy.
“Mato, baby, you’re fine,” his mom called out, smiling softly but continuing her chores. Her calm voice only seemed to fuel his tantrum. Mato arched his back, shaking his little body in protest, his cries now reaching full volume.
He looked around, hoping someone—anyone—would come to his rescue. But no one did. His tiny fists pounded the ground once more, his face a mix of anger and sadness.
Finally, his mom walked over, crouching beside him. “Mato, you’re being such a moody little boy today,” she said with a chuckle, scooping him into her arms.
Mato’s cries stopped instantly. He buried his face into her chest, letting out a soft sniffle as he clung to her. His tantrum forgotten, he wrapped his tail around her arm, content now that he had her undivided attention.
For Mato, being in his mom’s arms was the only place he truly wanted to be.
