Chamroeun was usually a sweet little baby monkey, playful and gentle when cuddled in his mother’s arms. But on this day, his mood was entirely different. Something had upset him deeply—maybe hunger, maybe impatience, maybe simply the stubbornness of a little one who wanted things his way. His tiny face scrunched up, his tail flicked restlessly, and then came the first cry.
It wasn’t a soft whimper. No, Chamroeun’s voice rose sharply, echoing through the room with fierce determination. He wanted his mother’s full attention, and nothing less would satisfy him. He climbed up toward her, puffed up his tiny chest, and with all his might, he let out a piercing scream—right into his mom’s face.
The outburst was so sudden and so forceful that even his mother froze. Her eyes widened, and for a moment she just stared at him, completely shocked. Baby monkeys throw tantrums often, but rarely with such boldness. Chamroeun, however, didn’t stop. He shook his little arms, stomped his tiny feet on her lap, and continued his noisy protest, his cries almost sounding like angry words.
His mother blinked, unsure whether to comfort him or scold him. Slowly, her hands reached out, trying to calm her son. But Chamroeun twisted his face away, letting out another shrill scream, as if to say, “I won’t calm down until you listen to me!”
Despite the shock, his mother’s patience began to shine through. She pulled him closer, stroking his damp fur and whispering softly. Bit by bit, his cries lessened. His energy drained, his head finally rested against her chest. The tantrum had ended, leaving behind a tired little monkey who simply wanted love.
Chamroeun’s scream may have startled his mother, but it also reminded her of the fiery spirit inside her tiny baby—a spirit she would continue to guide with patience and care.
