It was a sunny morning near the riverbank, and the soft rush of water flowed peacefully under the trees. The birds chirped, and the leaves rustled in the breeze. But for tiny Joda, this calm setting felt like the most frightening place in the world.
Today was bath day — but not just any bath.
Mom had chosen the shallow edge of the river, placing a small round tub right in the gentle flow.
Joda’s eyes went wide.
The second his little feet touched the water, he let out a loud squeak.
“Eeek! EEEK!”
He gripped the edge of the tub tightly, trembling as the river’s current swirled underneath.
Though the water was warm and shallow, Joda didn’t understand. It felt big, fast, and strange. He looked up at Mom with wide, fearful eyes as if to say, “Why here? Why now?”
Mom gently splashed water over his back, trying to calm him. But Joda leaned away, curling his tiny toes and breathing fast. His tail shook. Every ripple made him flinch.
Mom reached in and softly stroked his head. “It’s okay, my love,” her eyes seemed to say.
He didn’t move — just sat frozen, unsure if the water would carry him away.
But after a few minutes, Joda noticed something.
The tub didn’t move.
The water didn’t hurt.
And Mom’s hand never left his back.
Slowly, he loosened his grip. His breathing calmed. He even dipped one hand into the water… and watched it ripple gently.
It wasn’t fun yet.
But it wasn’t terrifying anymore.
Because when you’re scared and tiny, sometimes all you need is a mother’s touch — and a little courage to face the river together. 🐵🫧💙
