The yard was quiet that morning until a sharp, echoing scream shattered the calm. It was Chamroeun — the little troublemaker of the family — throwing one of his famous tantrums again. His tiny face was scrunched up, his fur puffed, and his tail flicked side to side like a spark ready to ignite.
Mom walked over calmly, holding a bowl of his favorite fruit pieces. “Chamroeun,” she called sweetly, “come here, baby, it’s breakfast time.” But instead of running to her, the little rascal crossed his arms, stomped his feet, and screamed even louder!
“EEE! EEEE! EEEEE!” His tiny voice rang out, full of defiance. He glared at his mom as if she’d done something terribly wrong. Maybe he didn’t like waiting. Maybe he was just being grumpy. Or maybe — like every little monkey — he just wanted attention his own way.
Mom sighed but didn’t get upset. She knew her boy too well. She sat down a few feet away, quietly peeling a banana. The smell filled the air, sweet and tempting. Chamroeun peeked at her from the corner of his eye. His nose twitched.
He tried to stay angry, puffing his cheeks and muttering tiny squeaks of protest — but his tummy growled louder than his pride. Slowly, he shuffled closer, pretending not to care. Mom smiled, offering him a piece.
At first, he hesitated. Then, with one quick snatch, he grabbed it and started chewing, eyes sparkling. The tantrum was over.
Mom chuckled softly and stroked his head. “See, my silly boy? Food tastes better when you stop shouting.”
Chamroeun didn’t answer — his mouth was too full. But as he leaned against her arm, his earlier anger melted away, replaced by the warmth of love… and banana crumbs.
