The sky began to darken as storm clouds slowly rolled in. The wind picked up, rustling the trees and sending a chill through the air. Mama knew the rain would start any minute, so she rushed outside to gather the laundry drying on the line. Just then, little Monkey Lyly noticed her mother struggling to pull in the clothes before they got soaked.
With her usual excitement, Lyly ran outside to help. She tugged at a towel, using all her strength to pull it down. But the cloth was too big and heavy for her tiny hands. She stumbled backward, falling softly into the grass, but quickly got up with determination on her face. “I can do it, Mama!” she seemed to say with her expressive little eyes.
Mama smiled gently and continued her task, pulling down shirts, pants, and socks while keeping an eye on her determined little helper. Lyly waddled over to a small shirt fluttering in the breeze. She managed to unclip one side, but the other end slipped out of her grip and flew away with the wind! Lyly chased after it, squealing in frustration but never giving up.
Soon, raindrops began to fall. Mama moved faster, now racing against the weather. Lyly, panting and wet, dragged a single baby sock over to the laundry basket. She looked up at her mother with wide eyes, seeking praise despite the tiny contribution. Mama knelt down, scooped Lyly into her arms, and kissed her forehead.
“You tried your best, my sweet girl,” Mama whispered, wrapping a dry towel around her. Despite the chaos and the wet clothes still flapping on the line, she was proud of Lyly’s effort.
Though it was too difficult for her tiny hands, Monkey Lyly’s heart was full of love, and her willingness to help warmed her mother’s soul—more than any sunshine ever could.
