Zuji sat on the wooden floor, her tiny fingers fidgeting nervously. She had been so playful, running around the house, knocking over things, and making a mess. But now, she knew she had gone too far.
Mom stood in front of her, arms crossed, looking at her with a firm expression. “Zuji, that was very naughty! You shouldn’t be so careless!”
Hearing Mom’s serious tone, Zuji’s little heart sank. She didn’t mean to make Mom angry. Her big, round eyes filled with tears as she slowly lowered her head.
“I-I’m sorry…” she mumbled, her voice trembling.
But Mom didn’t give in so easily. She pointed at the mess on the floor. “You need to learn, Zuji. You must be careful and listen to me.”
Zuji sniffled, her tiny lips quivering. She looked up at Mom with guilty eyes, then looked down again. She knew Mom was right. She had made a mistake.
Slowly, she crawled closer to Mom and reached out, gently tugging at her hand. “Mommy… I won’t do it again,” she whispered.
Mom sighed and knelt down, looking into Zuji’s sad little face. “I know you didn’t mean it, but you have to be more careful, okay?”
Zuji nodded quickly, wiping away her tears.
Mom smiled softly and pulled her into a warm hug. “Alright, my little one. I forgive you. But next time, listen to me, okay?”
Zuji clung to Mom’s embrace, feeling safe and loved. She had learned her lesson. Next time, she would be more careful—because she never wanted to see Mommy upset again.
