Little Yaya was usually a cheerful baby monkey, always hopping around the yard with bright curiosity. But today was different. Today her tiny heart was full of frustration, and her whole body trembled with emotion. She had been waiting—patiently at first—for Daddy to pick her up like he always did.
Daddy was nearby, busy cleaning up branches and sweeping the yard. He kept glancing at Yaya, smiling softly, but he hadn’t come over yet. And for Yaya, that was unbearable.
Her little hands stretched out toward him again and again.
“Eeeek! Eeeek!” she cried loudly.
But Daddy still didn’t pick her up.
That was it.
The tantrum began.
Yaya threw herself onto the ground, rolling onto her side dramatically as though the world had betrayed her. She kicked her feet, hit the soil softly with her tiny palms, and screamed louder with every passing second. Her eyes filled with tears, her face scrunched tightly, and her breathing came in fast little huffs of frustration.
Daddy turned around, surprised at the sudden explosion of emotion.
“Yaya… what’s wrong, sweetheart?” he asked gently.
But Yaya didn’t want gentle words—she wanted Daddy’s arms.
She cried even louder, her voice echoing across the yard, demanding attention. She dragged herself forward a little, reaching her hands up to him again, pleading through her tears.
Her tiny body trembled with sadness and anger. The yard felt too big, too lonely, too cold without Daddy holding her close.
Finally, Daddy walked over and knelt beside her.
“Okay, okay… Daddy’s here,” he whispered softly.
Yaya instantly lifted her arms, and the moment he picked her up, she clung to him tightly, burying her wet face into his chest.
Her cries softened… then faded.
All she ever wanted—was Daddy.
