The sun was warm and the garden quiet as Mom monkey returned from the fruit stand with a big bunch of ripe yellow bananas. She placed them gently on the floor and turned to her little daughter, Yuri, who was lounging nearby, sucking her thumb and watching butterflies flutter.
“Yuri, can you help Mom carry just one banana to the table?” she asked kindly.
But instead of standing up, Yuri’s face changed in a flash. Her lips puckered, her eyes welled up, and a high-pitched cry escaped her mouth.
“Waaahhh!!” she screamed, throwing her little arms in the air.
Mom blinked, confused. “Yuri! What’s wrong? It’s just a banana.”
But Yuri didn’t stop. She sat on the ground, feet kicking, hands wiping her tears, as if Mom had asked her to move a mountain. Her tiny voice echoed with sobs, heartbreaking and dramatic all at once.
“I’m just a baby!” she wailed. “Bananas are heavy!”
Mom chuckled softly, crouching down beside her. “You’re not a baby anymore, Yuri. You’re my big girl.”
“Nooo!” Yuri cried louder. “I don’t wanna be big girl today!”
Mom laughed and gently pulled Yuri into her arms, letting her cry it out on her shoulder. After a few moments, the sobs slowed down, and Yuri peeked up.
“Do I still get cuddles if I’m big?” she sniffled.
Mom smiled. “Always. Big or small.”
Yuri finally smiled back through her tears. With a dramatic sigh, she stood up, walked to the banana bunch, and picked the smallest one. She carried it proudly to the table like it weighed a ton.
Mom clapped. “That’s my strong little helper!”
And just like that, the crying was over—replaced by giggles and banana smiles. 🍌💛
