The morning breeze was cool, and tiny Monkey Lyly sat curled up in her blanket, shivering slightly with her little arms hugging herself. Her fur stood on end as the chilly air brushed against her. Mom entered with a warm towel and a gentle voice, “Lyly, it’s bath time.”
But Lyly’s eyes widened, and she shook her head furiously. “No bath today! Too cold!” she protested, wrapping the blanket tighter around her. Mom sighed softly, knowing this would be a challenge. Lyly hated cold mornings, and today she was especially stubborn.
Mom tried to reason with her. “Lyly, you’ll feel fresh and clean after your bath.” But Lyly shook her head even harder. “I’ll bathe tomorrow… or next week!” she declared dramatically, making Mom chuckle despite herself.
Seeing her daughter so determined, Mom decided to change her approach. She brought a bowl of warm water, steam gently rising from it, and dipped her finger to show Lyly. “Look, it’s warm. Just like a hug.” Lyly peeked from her blanket but remained hesitant.
Mom knelt down and softly pleaded, “Please, my little Lyly. You’ll catch a cold if you don’t clean up. I’ll make it quick, I promise.” Lyly’s eyes softened, but she still pouted. “Will I get banana milk after?” she asked innocently. Mom smiled. “Yes, and extra honey too.”
Finally, Lyly sighed, slowly stepping out like a tiny queen making a grand sacrifice. Mom gently placed her in the warm water. Lyly squeaked at first, but then relaxed, her eyes closing as the warmth wrapped around her. “Ahh… this is nice,” she whispered.
Mom carefully washed her, humming a soft song. Lyly began splashing playfully, forgetting her earlier protest. Soon she giggled, sending little waves across the basin. By the end, she was smiling proudly, wrapped in a fluffy towel.
After bath time, Lyly sat happily sipping her banana milk, her fur clean and fluffy. Mom kissed her forehead and laughed, “You gave me so much trouble today.” Lyly grinned shyly and whispered, “But you still love me, right?”
And of course, Mom did—more than anything.
