Tiny A Tong, always the shy and gentle one, had been playing quietly near the bamboo fence while Mom cleaned up around the yard. At first, he was happily distracted by the rustling leaves and the soft chirps of birds above. But as the minutes passed, he realized—Mom wasn’t in sight.
His little heart started to race.
He stood up slowly, his eyes scanning every corner. “Ma…?” he whispered. But there was no answer.
Suddenly, a small breeze brushed through the trees, and a plastic bag danced across the ground. It startled A Tong, making him jump. His wide eyes filled with fear, and his tiny mouth trembled.
“MAAA!!” he screamed, louder this time, his voice breaking into a high-pitched cry.
He ran in circles, arms raised in panic, calling for the only comfort he knew—his mother. His cries echoed louder, growing more desperate by the second.
From the other side of the yard, Mom turned quickly, hearing her baby’s voice. She dropped everything and rushed to him.
The moment A Tong saw her, he ran straight into her arms, burying his face into her neck, still sobbing. His little body shook with each breath, the fear still fresh in his chest.
Mom gently stroked his back, whispering softly, “It’s okay, baby. Mommy’s here. I would never leave you.”
She picked him up and held him close, rocking him gently while he clung to her like a little shadow.
Slowly, the tears faded, and his cries turned into quiet sniffles. His hands still gripped her fur tightly, but his heartbeat calmed with every kiss she planted on his tiny forehead.
A Tong had learned one thing for sure—no matter how scary the world felt, Mom would always come for him.
