Little Minea, the tiniest one in the family, was placed on the high table one afternoon while her mom stepped away for a short while. At first, she sat quietly, her big round eyes scanning the surroundings. But soon, fear and loneliness began to grow inside her. The table felt too tall, too far from the safe arms of her mom.
She whimpered softly at first, shifting her little body uncomfortably, her hands gripping the edge of the table as though it might suddenly disappear. Her whimpers quickly turned into louder cries, her face scrunching up with distress. Minea’s tiny voice echoed through the yard as she called out desperately for her mom.
Her cries weren’t only for mom—she also longed for the presence of Yuri, her playful companion, who often made her feel safe with cuddles and warmth. Without them, the table felt like an island of fear, and her heart ached for the comfort of their closeness.
When mom returned and Yuri peeked curiously from the side, Minea’s cries grew even louder, almost as if she were pleading, “Don’t leave me here alone again!” She stretched out her little arms, her body trembling, begging to be taken down.
Mom gently scooped her up, holding her against her chest, while Yuri quickly climbed up beside them, placing a hand on Minea’s tiny back as though to comfort her. Immediately, Minea’s cries softened, her frightened face melting into relief.
Clinging tightly to both, Minea buried her head against mom’s shoulder, comforted by Yuri’s presence beside her. In that moment, her little world felt safe again. The high table no longer mattered—what mattered was being wrapped in the warmth and love of those she needed most.
