Little Annie sat curled on the wooden floor, her tiny hands tucked under her chin as she stared suspiciously at the bright red apple in Mom’s hand. To everyone else, it looked sweet and harmless—but to Annie, it might as well have been the enemy. She shook her head hard, lips pressed tight, refusing even one bite.
Mom sighed softly. It wasn’t that she wanted to force Annie, but the little girl hadn’t eaten anything since early morning. Her belly needed real food, not just her usual comfort cuddles. Mom knelt beside her and gently pushed the apple closer.
Annie immediately let out a sharp whimper.
“Eeeek! No!”
Her small body twisted away dramatically, as if the apple was chasing her.
Mom reached out again, this time rubbing Annie’s back. “Just one bite, baby girl. It’s good for you.”
But Annie wasn’t convinced. She covered her mouth with both hands and shook her head until her ears wiggled. Her cry grew louder, her frustration swelling into a full tantrum. She kicked her feet, tears gathering in her big round eyes. Every time Mom lifted the apple, Annie cried louder, as though begging for mercy.
Still, Mom remained calm. She sat beside her patiently, waiting for the storm to slow. After a few minutes, Annie’s cries softened into quiet sniffles. Seeing that her little girl was finally calming down, Mom broke off a tiny, tiny slice—just enough to taste.
She offered it again, but gently this time. Instead of pushing, she waited.
Annie hesitated. Her eyebrows scrunched. Her tiny lips pouted. Finally, curiosity won. She leaned forward and took the tiniest nibble.
Her eyes widened.
It wasn’t scary.
It was… sweet.
Mom smiled warmly and kissed her forehead.
And while Annie still refused the rest, that one brave bite made the morning feel a little brighter.
