The morning was calm in the little household until Max’s tiny voice broke the peace. He had been sitting on the floor, playing with his favorite toy, when he noticed Mom moving toward the door. The moment it clicked in his mind that she might leave without him, his mood shifted instantly. His eyes widened, and a stormy little frown appeared on his face.
“Eee-eee!” he cried out sharply, his small hands stretching toward her. Max didn’t want explanations, and he certainly didn’t want to wait. In his world, Mom’s place was right beside him — always.
Mom turned and smiled softly, “I’m just picking you up, silly boy.” But Max wasn’t listening. His voice grew louder, filling the room with urgent little screams. He wiggled in frustration, tiny feet kicking the air as if to say, No! Don’t go anywhere without me!
Finally, Mom walked back, bent down, and scooped him up into her arms. The second Max felt her warmth and smelled her familiar scent, his cries stopped. His little body relaxed against her chest, though he still gave her a small pout, as if reminding her she had scared him.
Mom chuckled and kissed his forehead. “Alright, Max. I’m not going anywhere without you.”
With that reassurance, the moody little monkey snuggled in, holding on tightly as Mom carried him away — together, just the way he wanted.
