The sun was hot, and the watermelon was cold—just the way little Tapi liked it.
He sat on the porch with both hands gripping a huge, juicy slice of watermelon, his cheeks puffed full as red juice dribbled down his chin. He smacked happily, seeds flying as he munched like it was the best meal of his life.
“Slow down, baby!” Mama called from behind him.
But Tapi wasn’t listening.
He was starving—or at least, that’s what his tummy told him. He had waited so patiently while Mama cut the fruit, and now that it was finally his turn, he wasn’t about to stop.
Another bite. Another slurp. Another happy squeal.
Then—uh oh.
Mama stepped forward, hands on her hips. “That’s enough, Tapi. Too much will hurt your tummy.”
Tapi froze. He looked up with wide eyes and then—hugged the watermelon like it was treasure. “Nooo, Mama! Just one more big bite!”
Mama shook her head. “You’ve had three slices already!”
Tapi let out a dramatic little scream, clutching the watermelon tighter, flopping back like the world was ending. “I’m still hungry!” he wailed.
But Mama gently took the half-eaten slice and wiped his sticky face. “Sweetheart, I promise you’ll get more later. But if I let you keep going, you’ll be crying from a tummy ache instead.”
Tapi sniffled, pouting hard. He didn’t want to agree… but deep inside, he knew Mama was right.
With a reluctant sigh, he rested against her, letting her rock him while his belly rested.
And later that evening—after a nap and a giggle—Mama brought him one more tiny slice, just enough to make him smile.
