POki, the little monkey with big curious eyes, stood at the edge of the shallow stream, staring nervously at the rippling water. The sun was shining, the birds chirped overhead, and other animals were happily splashing nearby—but POki didn’t move an inch. His tiny feet stayed planted firmly on the dry grass. He wanted to play in the water like everyone else, but he just couldn’t shake the fear bubbling in his chest.
His mother noticed his hesitation and gently walked over. She crouched beside him, wrapping one arm around his shoulders. “It’s okay, sweet boy,” she whispered, brushing back the hair on his forehead. “Water can feel strange at first, but I’ll be right here. We’ll do it together.”
POki looked up at his mom, her calm smile easing some of his anxiety. She dipped her toes into the water and showed him it wasn’t scary. Slowly, she held out her hand and encouraged him to take just one step. With a deep breath and a shaky nod, POki reached out, clutching her hand tightly.
Together, they took that first step.
The cool water touched POki’s toes and he let out a surprised squeak, but his mom laughed gently, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. “You did it! See? That wasn’t so bad.”
Encouraged by her presence and praise, POki took another step, and then another. Soon the water was up to his ankles, and a big smile spread across his face. He splashed around, giggling as the water danced around him.
His fear was fading with every minute he spent in the stream, and his mother stayed right by his side, cheering him on. What had started as a moment of fear turned into an afternoon of joy.
POki learned something very important that day—sometimes bravery begins with just one small step and someone you love by your side.
