The morning sun streamed softly through the curtains as Lyly, a little girl of four, clutched her favorite stuffed monkey tightly. Monkey Lyly, as she called him, had been with her through every bedtime story, every scraped knee, and every happy moment of her young life.
Today felt different.
Her mother knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair from Lyly’s forehead. “I have to go to the hospital today, sweetheart,” she said gently. “Just for a check-up.”
Lyly’s eyes widened. “Are you sick, Mommy?”
“No, baby,” her mother smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “It’s just something the doctor needs to check. I’ll be back before you know it.”
Still unsure, Lyly held out Monkey Lyly. “Take him with you. He’s brave.”
Her mother’s heart tightened at the gesture. “How about this,” she said, pressing a kiss to Lyly’s cheek. “You keep Monkey Lyly here, and he’ll keep you company while I’m gone. I’ll bring him back a lollipop from the hospital.”
Lyly frowned, clearly torn, but nodded slowly. “Okay. But you have to kiss Monkey Lyly goodbye too.”
With a soft laugh, her mom leaned down and gave the stuffed toy a gentle kiss. “Goodbye, Monkey Lyly. Take care of my girl.”
As she walked out the door, she looked back once more. Lyly stood at the window, Monkey Lyly in her arms, waving. Her mother waved back, blinking fast to keep the tears in.
At the hospital, while she waited for tests and scans, the image of Lyly hugging that worn-out monkey gave her strength. She knew her little girl needed her healthy and strong.
Back home, Lyly whispered to Monkey Lyly, “Don’t worry. Mommy will be okay.”
And somewhere in the quiet afternoon, a small stuffed monkey sat brave and still—keeping a promise made with a kiss.
